Coin of Amisos under Caracalla c. 216 - 217

Editor: This is a coin of Amisos under Caracalla, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s so small, yet it carries so much history. What strikes you most about its composition? Curator: Observe the patinated surface; a testament to the passage of time and the chemical reactions impacting its material integrity. Note the incuse relief and its contribution to the coin's tactility. Editor: I hadn't considered the texture as part of its artistic appeal. The level of detail is quite something considering its size. Curator: Precisely. The balance between the wear and the remaining clarity of the imagery creates a compelling tension. Are there formal elements you find particularly engaging? Editor: The profile of Caracalla; even worn, it is still imposing. I appreciate the emphasis on line and form. Curator: Indeed. It is through the interplay of these elements that we can begin to understand the visual language of power and authority in this historical context. Editor: Thanks, I definitely see more in this coin now! Curator: It has been my pleasure. Consider the interplay of form and decay as ongoing dialogue.