Coin of Antiocheia Caesarea c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a "Coin of Antiocheia Caesarea" by Claudius II Gothicus, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s incredibly small, yet seems to hold so much history. What strikes you most about its composition? Curator: The coin's circular form immediately establishes a sense of unity and containment. The incised portrait, despite its wear, retains a powerful profile. Note the deliberate use of line and the bas-relief, creating dimensionality within a limited space. Editor: So, the shape and lines contribute to the coin's impact, despite its age and wear? Curator: Precisely. The artist's control over form and the interplay of positive and negative space remain compelling, regardless of its historical context. It’s a study in miniature sculptural relief. Editor: I see that now. The coin's form really does amplify the impact of the imagery, doesn't it? Thanks for pointing that out.