Sestertius of Commodus c. 2th century

Editor: This is a Sestertius of Commodus. It's a coin, so small and weighty. The figures are worn but still visible. What stands out to you about its composition? Curator: The coin's circular form dictates a contained field. Observe how the incised portrait and reverse imagery respond to this limitation. The texture, born of wear and corrosion, introduces an element of chance, disrupting the original design’s legibility and creating an interplay of light and shadow. Editor: So, the damage becomes part of the piece, influencing how we see it? Curator: Precisely. It highlights the passage of time, transforming the coin from a symbol of power into a meditation on material decay and transformation. Consider how this changes our perception. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks, that's a fascinating perspective. Curator: Indeed, the dialogue between form and decay offers a rich aesthetic experience.