Denarius of P. Accoleius Lariscolus, Rome (forgery?) c. 43 BCE

Editor: This is a Denarius of P. Accoleius Lariscolus from the Harvard Art Museums. I’m struck by how the material itself—this worn metal— speaks to age and history. What details stand out to you? Curator: The very condition of the surface, with its textures and patinas, becomes an integral element of its aesthetic identity. The interplay of light and shadow across its marred surface generates a unique visual experience, irrespective of its historical context or intended design. Editor: So, you're saying the wear and tear are part of the art now? Curator: Precisely. The arrangement of forms within the circular boundary, the raised relief, and the degradation all contribute to a distinctive composition that transcends the coin's original function. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered. Curator: Consider how the physical form mediates our experience. Editor: I see what you mean. Thank you!