Sestertius of Otacilia Severa 248

Editor: Here we have the Sestertius of Otacilia Severa, a weighty coin currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The wear on its surface suggests its age, but I am curious to know how you see its artistic merit. Curator: The coin's circular form, though slightly irregular due to its age, presents a contained field for the sculpted relief. The obverse, depicting Otacilia Severa, exhibits a clear hierarchy of line and form, framing the central figure within a circumscribed text. The text itself becomes part of the visual composition. Editor: It’s interesting how the wear and tear contribute to its aesthetic. Curator: Indeed. The patination, that layering of time, creates a nuanced surface, modulating the light and shadow. This textural depth enhances the legibility of the portrait and the inscription. Did you notice the careful articulation of her hairstyle? Editor: I do now. It seems that even in such a small medium, the artist sought to convey very specific details about the empress. Thank you for pointing that out.