Coin of Byblos under Caracalla c. 188 - 217

Editor: Here we have a coin of Byblos under Caracalla, a relic from the ancient world residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin’s weight is about 9.19 grams. It looks incredibly worn; what strikes you about its composition? Curator: The bas-relief is quite shallow. Note how the artist used the limited depth to create a contrast between the figure and the background, guiding the eye. What do you make of the line work? Editor: It seems somewhat crude but effective, considering the size and wear. It accentuates the coin's design, like the emperor's profile. How does the materiality contribute to its meaning? Curator: The coin's metallic composition, combined with its wear, suggests a transactional purpose, yet it also speaks to power and empire. The tactile quality invites contemplation. This piece allows us to reflect on how the formal elements of an object can simultaneously obscure and reveal its narrative. Editor: I never considered how the wear could be part of the art itself. Thank you.