Sestertius of Gordianus III 

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, likely depicting Gordianus III. It's incredible to think of this small, worn object once circulating through the Roman Empire. What strikes you most about its visual qualities? Curator: The coin's patinated surface, a consequence of prolonged oxidation, provides a textural richness. Consider how the relief, though softened by time, still articulates the emperor’s profile. Note the circular form, bisected by the implied line of the ruler’s gaze. Editor: So, it's about the interplay of line, form and texture here? I hadn't considered the "implied line" before. Curator: Precisely. These formal elements contribute to the overall aesthetic impact, transcending its utilitarian function. Editor: Thank you! I'm beginning to see this coin in a new light. Curator: Indeed, the aesthetic considerations of even functional objects offer valuable insight.