Dupondius of Caracalla 

Editor: This is a Dupondius of Caracalla, a coin of about 11 grams. It is worn but one side depicts Caracalla. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The coin presents two contrasting sides, unified by their circular form and corroded surfaces. Observe the crisp profile portrait versus the more ambiguous figure. The incised lettering frames the portrait, creating a visual tension against the flat field on the opposing side. Editor: That's very interesting. The texture is something I did not observe. I was too focused on the portrait. Thanks! Curator: Note how the material’s decay contributes to the overall aesthetic, a testament to the passage of time acting upon the coin’s formal elements.