Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201s

Curator: Here we have a denarius of Septimius Severus, a silver coin currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It has a worn but striking beauty; the low relief and muted silver hue evoke a sense of antiquity. Curator: Indeed. The portrait on one side immortalizes Severus, while the other likely depicts a symbolic representation of his reign or a deity associated with him. These images were meticulously crafted to project power and legitimacy. Editor: Note the subtle incuse details; the way light plays across the textures hints at the craftsman's technique. Curator: Every element carries weight. Severus sought to connect himself with past emperors through imagery. The symbols also reflected the social and political aspirations of his time. Editor: It speaks to a past where even currency was carefully designed as a vehicle for ideology. Curator: Seeing the past through these powerful little symbols offers a lens into lost worlds. Editor: A testament to the enduring power of formal elements, even in miniature.