| Author |
 Replies: 8 / Views: 964 |
|
|
Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
A wonderfully rugged portrait of a man whose reputation for cruelty has persisted even into modern times. This As has rough surfaces to be sure, but his image has been beautifully rendered. I find the patina to be especially attractive. The reverse of this coin is quite apropos: Mars, fully-armed god of war, holding Victory while a captive grovels at his feet. Truly a reflection of a violent man living in a violent age.  |
|
|
|
Valued Member
 United States
319 Posts |
As a point of contrast, this is a Caracalla I used to have in my collection. I good potrait, to be sure, but far more interpretive of the emperor's features. Appreciation of such differences is quite subjective in nature. BOTH, in my opinion, are art, and an expression of artistic skill.  I heartily encourage my fellow Community Members to add their own posts, exhibiting the art from their own collections. What portrait styles inspire you? |
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
725 Posts |
Great coins with strong portraits. I like the denarii from this period. I suppose the portraits are slightly caricatured, but nothing like the 4th century. They're cheap and plentiful, too. Here's Septimius Severus and his sons celebrating victory in Britain. Britain got it's own back - Septimius Severus died there, and Caracalla quickly murdered Geta. Septimius Severus Denarius, 210-211
Rome. Silver, 2.2g. Victory with palm branch and wreath (symbols of victory), VICTORIAE - BRIT (RIC IV 332).
Caracalla Denarius, 210-213
Rome. Silver, 3.2g. Victory with trophy; VICTORIAE - BRIT (RIC IV 231A).
Geta Denarius, 210-211
Rome. Silver, 3.0g. Victory with palm branch and wreath; VICTORI-AE - BRIT (RIC IV 92).
Edited by JohnConduitt
02/18/2022 6:12 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
@Max...A smiling Caracalla! There's a first!..
Very interesting portrait, as you don't see Antoninus looking that happy very often..Really expressive portrayal and again has a nice patina...
@John...A lovely father-Son mix. All have wonderfully detailed portraits but my favourite is that full bearded Geta with a pregnant Victory reverse!..Sweet coin!
|
|
Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
John, those denarius are sweeeet! The portraits are highly stylized, but awesome nonetheless. I have been trying to find a decent large-size Geta for quite some time, but he is very pricey. Someday! So true, Paul. Caracalla is most often depicted as a brooding, snarly man. Which is likely not far from the truth. Makes the smile on that portrait rather...sinister!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Quote:
Makes the smile on that portrait rather...sinister! .....Yes as the old saying goes "Crocodile smile!".. I only have one Caracalla coin minted in Rome but even this stylized portrait shows how the Emperor or at least his entourage demanded a strong powerful look with the heavy brow, not a person to mess with! Caracalla. AD 198-217. AR Denarius (3,48g). Rome mint. Struck AD 212-213. Ob..ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate bearded head right. Rev..MONETA AVG, Moneta draped standing left, holding scales and cornucopia. RIC IV #224; RSC 165.  All I can say is after many years of tyranny.."Long live Justin Martialis!"...Or at least Macrinus who was probably pulling the strings. |
|
Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
That heavily stylized portrait is truly menacing, Paul. Nevertheless, a beautifully strong coin. I have heard/read that the phrase "caught with your pants down" was inspired by the situation surrounding Caracalla's assassination. A rather ignominious way for such a powerfully intimidating man to die.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Here's a new addition to my collection and thought the portrait was nice...Minted in AD 207 when he was only 19 years old..  |
|
Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Oooo...nice acquisition, Paul! A young Caracalla. At an age when he still knew how to share and play-nice with his brother. Not for long!
|
| |
Replies: 8 / Views: 964 |
|
Posted 02/18/2022 6:08 pm
