Histamenon of Constantine IX Monomachos (1042-55)

Unknown

ca. 1042–55 · Gold · Medieval Art

The Empire's gold coins set an artistic and monetary standard for the Mediterranean world throughout most of Byzantine history. By the middle Byzantine period, a ruler portrait appeared on one side, with a religious icon on the other. Inscriptions were in either Greek, the official language of the Empire, or Latin, its original official language. The images reflected the artistic currents of their times.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1042–55

Medium

Gold

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Gift of Carlos A. Picón, in honor of William D. Wixom, 1998