Denarius of Septimius Severus 

Editor: This is a Denarius of Septimius Severus from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s small, like pocket-sized history. The surfaces are worn, yet the details are still visible. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The circular form dictates the composition. Note the carefully considered placement of the portrait and figure, conforming to and emphasizing the coin’s shape. Observe how the incised lettering frames the imagery, creating a self-contained visual system. The material itself—the metal, its weight, and its potential for preservation—is integral to its meaning. Editor: So the shape is as important as what's depicted? Curator: Precisely. The formal elements are inseparable from its function as currency and symbol of imperial power. Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it; I never would have considered that. Curator: By focusing on its inherent qualities, we unveil its multifaceted essence.