Basilicon of Andronikos III c. 1328 - 1341

Editor: Here we have a silver Basilicon of Andronikos III, from the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredible to think of the history held in such a tiny object. What can we learn about the culture that produced it? Curator: Coins like this served a dual purpose: economic and propagandistic. How does the imagery reflect the ruler's desired public image and the socio-political context of the Byzantine Empire at that time? Consider the figures depicted and their symbolic significance. Editor: It looks like the emperor with a saint? Was this coin intended to portray him as divinely sanctioned? Curator: Precisely! The imagery reinforced the emperor's authority, linking him to both earthly power and divine legitimacy. Do you notice how this connects to the broader use of art and architecture in Byzantine society? Editor: I see the connection! It’s all about reinforcing the authority and power structures of the time, even through something as small as a coin. Curator: Exactly. These coins give us insights into the political and religious landscape of the era. It's a small object with a huge story to tell.