Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus 

Editor: Here we have an Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus, a Roman coin now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating how something so small can hold so much history. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The formal qualities immediately apparent are the coin's circular format and the weathered texture of its surface. Note the contrasting relief of the emperor's portrait against the flattened background, a deliberate choice to emphasize power and authority. The inscription, though worn, also contributes to the overall design. Editor: It’s incredible how much is conveyed through such simple elements. I hadn't considered the relief as a tool for emphasizing authority. Curator: The use of relief directs the viewer's gaze, creating a focal point and a visual hierarchy. Editor: Thank you, that definitely provided a fresh way of seeing the piece.