Coin of Argos under Antoninus Pius 138 - 161

Editor: Here we have a coin of Argos under Antoninus Pius, from the Harvard Art Museums. It has an almost ghostly quality to it because of its age and coloration. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Intriguing. Observe the circular form, fundamental to the coin's structure. The patinated surface, a consequence of material transformation over time, yields a chromatic interplay of greens and browns. Note how the artist uses relief to create figural representation on such a limited surface. Editor: So, you're drawn to the techniques and materials, rather than the subject matter? Curator: Precisely. The coin's value lies not merely in its depiction, but in its formal qualities and the way it embodies the passage of time. The wear and imperfections contribute a layer of visual complexity. Editor: I hadn't considered the imperfections as adding value. I appreciate the new perspective!