Coin of Justinian I c. 547 - 548

Editor: This is a Coin of Justinian I, located at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, but the details are quite intricate. What strikes me is the condition and the texture – how do you approach analyzing a piece like this? Curator: We look closely at the form and material. The coin's circular shape, the raised relief of the figures, the wear and patina of the metal – each element speaks to its function and history. Consider the composition: how does the arrangement of elements contribute to its overall aesthetic? Editor: So, it's less about who Justinian was and more about how the coin is made and arranged? Curator: Precisely. We analyze the formal relationships – the interplay of line, shape, and texture – to understand its visual impact and the choices made in its creation. Editor: Fascinating. I’ll definitely look at it with more attention to those details now.