Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 228

Editor: This is a Denarius of Severus Alexander, located at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me most is how much detail they packed into such a tiny object. What do you see when you look at this coin? Curator: The composition, divided into two distinct faces, presents a compelling visual dialogue. Note how the portrait employs sharp, decisive lines, contrasted with the draped figure on the reverse, which uses softer, more flowing forms. Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't considered the contrast between the two sides. Curator: Consider also the use of texture: the emperor's laurel wreath versus the smooth field surrounding the goddess. These are deliberate choices. What purpose might this serve? Editor: I think I see what you mean. The visual contrast emphasizes the difference between the ruler and the idealized figure. Curator: Precisely. This coin, a seemingly simple object, encodes complex relationships through its formal elements. Editor: This has provided an entirely new perspective on how to read artworks. Thank you!