Sestertius of Faustina I 147 - 161

Editor: This is a Sestertius coin, likely dating back to the Roman era, featuring Faustina I. The wear on the metal gives it such a unique texture, like a landscape. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The patina, that surface alteration, is quite striking. It creates a visual tension between the original design and the effects of time, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely. How does the surface texture influence the legibility of the imagery? Curator: The coin's intrinsic metallic structure, now partially obscured, suggests a formal exploration of impermanence. Note how the incised lines, though worn, still manage to define the form. Editor: So, it’s almost a collaboration between the artist and time itself? Curator: Precisely. This piece is a compelling statement on the nature of form, decay, and transformation. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective, looking at the material itself as a part of the artwork's message. Curator: Indeed, it has been enriching to look at its formal qualities.