Sestertius of Faustina I 147 - 161

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius, a coin featuring Faustina I, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The patinated bronze gives it a sense of age and history. What can you tell me about the formal qualities of this piece? Curator: The coin presents a fascinating study in relief sculpture. Observe how the artist uses incised lines and subtle gradations to define form within a very limited space. The circular format also dictates the composition. How do you think the artist's choices impact the viewing experience? Editor: It's interesting how the circular format focuses the attention. I hadn’t thought about how challenging that would be for the artist. Curator: Precisely. And notice the condition of the object itself. The wear flattens certain details, yet also enhances the overall texture, creating a dynamic between representation and abstraction. Editor: This really deepens my understanding of the coin as a carefully considered object, not just a historical artifact. Curator: Indeed. Considering form and materiality opens up new avenues for interpretation.