Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 2th century

Editor: This is a Sestertius, a bronze coin presumably dating back to the reign of Antoninus Pius. The verdigris gives it a certain patina, but I'm curious about the deliberate choices made in its design. What stands out to you? Curator: The formal elements dictate the reading of the object. Note the circular format, bisected by the imago of the Emperor on one side, balanced by the architectural form on the reverse. The corrosion, though a product of time, contributes to the texture, altering our perception of the original relief. Editor: So, it's the interplay of form and decay that gives it significance? Curator: Precisely. The degradation modifies the initial artistic intent, creating a dialogue between antiquity and the present. Editor: Fascinating. I never considered the decay as part of the artistic narrative itself. Curator: This exemplifies how form and material intrinsically shape our interpretation of art.