As of Antoninus Pius c. 143 - 144

Editor: Here we have a coin, attributed to Antoninus Pius and held in the Harvard Art Museums. It is quite small and the textures seem so worn, a little blurry. What do you notice in the composition of this piece? Curator: The coin presents a study in relief. Observe how the raised image, though worn, creates a palpable contrast against the flat plane of the coin. Note the symmetry, or lack thereof, and how the patina effects the overall aesthetic. Editor: The weathering definitely changes the texture. Curator: Indeed. The coin's surface is not merely a field for the image, but a testament to the passage of time, adding layers of meaning. Consider the semiotics of decay; how does the degradation of the surface affect our understanding of the subject? What have you learned? Editor: The texture is just as important as the image itself. Thanks!