AE Commodus 

Editor: Here we have a coin, titled "AE Commodus," attributed to Commodus himself. The patina of the metal gives it a worn, almost ghostly quality. What structural elements stand out to you? Curator: The coin's composition is divided into two distinct sides, portrait and figure. Note the formal qualities of the portrait, the incised lines defining Commodus's features versus the iconic representation of the figure, its contours less defined. What visual relationships do you observe? Editor: I see that the portrait is much more detailed than the figure on the other side. Is there a reason for this difference in technique? Curator: The contrast directs our attention. The high relief of the portrait against the flatter rendering on the reverse signals a hierarchy, privileging the emperor's individual likeness over a generalized representation of power. Observe the use of line and depth to convey this distinction. Editor: I see. So it's not just about what's depicted, but how it's depicted. Curator: Precisely. The formal elements actively construct meaning. Paying close attention to the arrangement of the art object allows the viewer to understand meaning in historical objects.