Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 224

Editor: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander from Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, and worn, but the details are still striking. What do you see in this piece, focusing on its formal qualities? Curator: The most compelling feature is the incuse relief, showcasing an impressive manipulation of depth on such a restricted plane. The artist’s adept handling of line and texture creates a clear distinction between the figure and the ground, accentuating the portrait's solemnity. Notice how the artist uses the circular form to dictate the composition, achieving a balanced yet dynamic visual effect. Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t considered the effect of the circular form so deliberately. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Reflect on how these intrinsic qualities contribute to the overall aesthetic impact.