Antoninianus of Tetricus II c. 3th century

Editor: This is an Antoninianus of Tetricus II, and its patina is really striking. What do you see in this piece, considering its form and texture? Curator: The effigy, though worn, presents a study in relief. Observe how the artist uses the limited space to convey depth and volume. The intentionality of the marks, even in their degradation, speaks to the artistic process. Editor: So, it's less about what it represents and more about how it was made? Curator: Precisely. The coin's value lies in its material presence, its texture, and the composition of the relief—revealing the formal decisions of the artist. Do you see how the flattening enhances our awareness of the objectness of the coin? Editor: I think I understand. It encourages a focus on the pure visual experience. Curator: Indeed. A valuable reminder that art exists first as form, then as concept.