Sestertius of Caracalla 

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Caracalla from the Harvard Art Museums. It's intriguing how the material itself, this aged metal, speaks to its history. What stands out to you in its form? Curator: Note the incuse relief, a sophisticated technique that emphasizes the profile's strong, classicizing line. How does the curvature interact with the coin's edge? Editor: It almost feels like the profile is trying to break free from the circular boundary. Curator: Precisely. The tension created by the artist's handling of depth and surface is quite compelling, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. It highlights the artistry involved in even seemingly functional objects. Curator: Indeed, and the coin's materiality further enriches its visual impact, offering layers of interpretation. Editor: It's amazing to observe how much can be gleaned from just the formal elements of this piece.