Denarius of Caracalla c. 215

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Caracalla, residing in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The coin feels remarkably austere, almost severe. Its cold, hard materiality contributes to this impression. Curator: Indeed. Caracalla, the artist behind this coin, would have intended it to project power. The use of silver, while somewhat debased during his reign, still signaled wealth and authority. Editor: And the profile, almost clinically rendered, lacks any softness. It's all rigid lines and a stern gaze, perfectly reflecting Caracalla's reputation for ruthlessness. Curator: The imagery on the reverse, likely a deity, reinforces his claim to legitimacy and divine favor. This coin wasn't merely currency; it was a piece of political propaganda, circulated widely. Editor: A fascinating confluence of aesthetics and imperial ambition, then. The medium truly does shape the message. Curator: Precisely. It offers a glimpse into how rulers manipulated imagery to shape public perception.