Sestertius of Severus Alexander, Rome c. 231

Curator: This is a Sestertius of Severus Alexander, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The artifact weighs about 24.76 grams. Editor: Its materiality speaks volumes. The wear and patination on the bronze surface evoke a strong sense of the passage of time and economic exchange. Curator: Note the incised lines which delineate the profile of Severus Alexander. The artist has paid particular attention to the contours of the nose and the arrangement of the hair. Editor: Quite. And given its original function, think of all the hands it passed through, all the transactions it facilitated. The coin is also a form of propaganda. Curator: Yes, the formal language conveys power, legitimizing rule through carefully constructed imagery and Latin inscription. Editor: This highlights the value of examining not just the artistry, but also the context of production and usage to understand its broader social and historical impact. Curator: A fascinating interplay of power and artistry, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Indeed. It underscores the value in considering an object's history as much as its visual elements.