Sestertius of Julia Mamaea 224

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, an ancient Roman coin featuring Julia Mamaea, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn texture and the verdigris speak to its age. What catches your eye in terms of its composition? Curator: The bilateral symmetry is quite striking; the obverse displays a high-relief portrait, juxtaposed with the figure on the reverse. Note the incised lettering encircling the portrait, lending a sense of ordered inscription. The patinated bronze surface also enhances its mass. What do you make of the figure’s pose? Editor: It seems like a fairly standard, possibly allegorical stance. I guess I was hoping for more insight into the coin's aesthetic value beyond its condition and basic design. Curator: I concur. The value lies in its inherent structure and materiality and how they represent function and artistic intent.