Antoninianus of Valerian I c. 3th century

Editor: This is the Antoninianus of Valerian I. It's undated, but the material certainly shows its age. One side features what seems to be a portrait, and the other a figure. How do you interpret this work formally? Curator: Formally, note the circular composition, which is essential for coin design. The bust is rendered in profile, emphasizing strong, linear contours. The incised details denote the textures of hair and drapery and contribute to the overall legibility. Editor: So the formal elements serve a practical purpose here? Curator: Precisely. The formal constraints of the medium necessitate clarity and precision. The relationship between form and function is quite direct. Editor: I see. I never really thought about how form dictates function in objects like this. Curator: Examining these intrinsic elements grants a clearer understanding of the work.