Coin of Isaac II c. 1185 - 1195

Curator: This is a coin of Isaac II, held in the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small, unassuming object, but its imagery resonates with the power of its era. Editor: It's remarkable how worn it looks. You can feel the weight of time and circulation in that metal. What was the process like to create it? Curator: These coins served not only as currency but as potent symbols of imperial authority. The imagery, carefully chosen and meticulously rendered, was designed to project power. Editor: So much meaning conveyed through such a small object. The way the metal has aged and been worn gives it a beautiful, almost sculptural quality. Curator: Indeed. This coin offers us a glimpse into the cultural memory and aspirations of the Byzantine Empire, a tangible connection to a powerful historical narrative. Editor: Thinking about the materials and labor involved really brings the past to life, doesn't it? A small item, but so evocative.