Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 140 - 143

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Antoninus Pius housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a small coin, but it looks like it has a lot of detail. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Note the incuse portrait on one side, and the seated figure on the other. The artist's treatment of form, particularly in rendering the drapery and the imperial portrait, utilizes the circular space effectively. The patinated surface adds depth to the relief. Editor: So you’re focusing on the form and the way the artist used the space? Curator: Precisely. Consider the use of line and plane to create the illusion of volume on such a small scale. The formal elements create visual interest and imbue the object with significance. Editor: That's a really interesting way to look at it. I was more focused on who Antoninus Pius was. Curator: True, but the power lies in the masterful rendering of form. An analysis of the formal elements reveals a great deal. Editor: Okay, I will remember to look more closely at those formal elements.