Quinarius of C. Egnatuleius C.f., Rome c. 97 BCE

Editor: This is a Quinarius issued by C. Egnatuleius, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's small, and the wear on the metal gives it such a tangible sense of history. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: Immediately, the composition is arresting. Note the stark profile on one face contrasted with the symbolic grouping on the other. Consider the line and the relief; even in its worn state, the artistry remains evident. Editor: The figures on the reverse are quite intriguing. What are your thoughts on their arrangement? Curator: The figures present a calculated asymmetry, designed, perhaps, to imply motion or narrative. The die cutter's skill in rendering depth with such shallow relief is quite remarkable. Editor: So, the arrangement and craftsmanship are key elements here. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. The medium and its manipulation are central to understanding its aesthetic value.