Plated Antoninianus of Aurelian

Though almost all of the realism that had characterized the art of the late Republic and early Empire had by now given way to a highly stylized approach to portraiture, yet balance and beauty were still to be found. The somewhat exxagerated lines in Aurelian's forehead and the hairline are clearly stylistic representations and do not constitute an accurate portrait of the man. In spite of the lack of strict accuracy in the portrait, there is a delicate beauty in this rendition of Aurelian's face. The hairline is carried smoothly around to form the beard, and the pattern of dots and parallel strokes suggest the armored scales of his cuirass and the lames protecting his shoulders. The exaggerated facial features may be an allusion to the heavy burden of defending and governing the Roman people, and the toll these responsibilities take on the good old man's face.

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Emperor Aurelian Biographical and Historical Information.