Follis of Maximian, Antioch 304 - 305

Editor: This is a Follis of Maximian from Antioch, an ancient coin currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's fascinating how a simple object can convey such history, but the patina makes it hard to discern the details. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The very composition speaks volumes; observe the deliberate profile of Maximian, its relief a testament to the engraver's skill. Note the circular form, how it contains and focuses the imperial image. Editor: So, it's all about the form and structure? Curator: Precisely. It is about analyzing how the artist, through the constraints of the medium, signifies power and permanence. The coin's materiality, the very metal itself, adds to its inherent value as a historical artifact. Editor: I hadn't considered the composition that way. Thanks! Curator: The rigorous formal analysis provides valuable insights.