Follis of Crispus, Aquileia 321

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Crispus, a Roman bronze coin currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It is attributed to Crispus himself, though the exact date of its creation remains unknown. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small object feels so weighted with history. The patinated bronze, the worn edges—it speaks of empires and power dynamics. Curator: Indeed, the coin's design elements, the inscription, and the portrait, were all carefully considered to convey specific messages about Crispus and his authority. We can examine the line and texture of the portrait for nuance. Editor: And how that authority was perceived! As a visual signifier, this coin was powerful, but it also represents the lived experience of those under Crispus's rule, a top-down symbol of the politics of the time. Curator: Fascinating. The formal elements combined with your considerations open many avenues for understanding this piece. Editor: Absolutely, and remembering the socio-political impact helps us better decode the aesthetic choices made in its creation.