AR Elagabalus 

Editor: This is AR Elagabalus from the Harvard Art Museums. The weight is 2.96 g. The coin has an aged look. What strikes you most about its design? Curator: The incuse relief commands attention. Observe how the artist manipulated the depth of field within such a limited surface area. The interplay of light and shadow defines the figure. Editor: So, it's less about who is depicted, and more about how it's depicted? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the artist conveyed form and volume through the controlled removal of material. It's an exercise in minimalist expression. Editor: That’s a great perspective; I'll definitely look at the coin's textures and light with a closer eye. Curator: Indeed, it showcases the enduring power of form over subject.