Dupondius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a dupondius of Antoninus Pius, at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, and the surface is heavily patinated. What strikes you about the composition of this coin? Curator: The incised portraiture, though worn, remains a powerful formal element. Observe how the profile captures a sense of imperial authority through its line and form. The texture of the metal itself contributes to a dialogue between decay and enduring image. Editor: Do you think the corrosion detracts from the artist's original intent? Curator: It alters the surface, certainly, yet it also layers a temporal dimension onto the piece, highlighting its existence across centuries. It’s another texture for our consideration. Editor: That's a great point. I never thought about it that way. Curator: Examining the interplay of design and material transformation gives us a deeper understanding of the object itself.