Sestertius of Antoninus Pius c. 148 - 149

Curator: The Sestertius of Antoninus Pius, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents a fascinating glimpse into Roman portraiture and numismatic art. Editor: Its weathered surface immediately evokes a sense of history; the patinated bronze suggests countless transactions and a tangible link to the past. Curator: Precisely. Consider the formal elements: the low relief portrait of Antoninus Pius himself, encircled by inscriptions, versus the figure on the coin's reverse. Editor: On the reverse, the depiction of a female figure holding what appears to be a scepter is rich with symbolic weight, potentially representing Pax, the Roman goddess of peace, so crucial to Antoninus Pius' reign. Curator: Indeed. The visual contrast between the emperor's portrait and the allegorical figure reveals a sophisticated interplay of power and virtue. Editor: It is remarkable how much cultural information is embedded in such a small, commonplace object. The subtle symbolism and textural richness contribute to the power of this artifact. Curator: It really makes you consider how the interplay of form and image shapes our historical understanding, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely; it is like holding a moment in time.