Antoninianus of Claudius II Gothicus 

Editor: This is an Antoninianus coin of Claudius II Gothicus, located at the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, and the green patina gives it a unique texture. What strikes you about its formal qualities? Curator: The material transformation is compelling. Notice how the coin’s original metallic surface has been altered by time. The patination process, while obscuring the initial design, adds a layer of visual complexity. Consider the interplay between the remaining incised lines and the corroded areas. Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't considered the patina as an integral element. Curator: Indeed. Observe, too, how the circular form of the coin is itself a signifier of wholeness, of empire, even as its fragmented state speaks to the passage of time and the decay of power. The juxtaposition of form and surface offers a rich field for interpretation. Editor: I see what you mean. Focusing on the material and form really changes how I view it. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Approaching the artwork from the perspective of its formal elements truly opens the door to a new understanding of its significance.