Antoninianus of Gallienus c. 3th century

Editor: So, this is an Antoninianus of Gallienus from the Harvard Art Museums. It's very small. What strikes me most is the state of the metal; it's broken and corroded. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The degradation of the metal, while unfortunate, reveals the inherent materiality. Notice the subtle gradations of tone across the surface, the effect of time rendered visible. The linear form of the ruler on one side is likewise degraded. Do you see how the figure emerges from a field of rougher texture? Editor: Yes, I see that now! Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Consider how those formal elements speak to power and decay, presence and absence. Editor: It's amazing how much can be communicated through just the form and texture.