Denarius of Ap. Claudius Ap.f. C.n. Pulcher, T. Manlius, and Q. Urbinius, Rome c. 111

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this fascinating piece: a denarius of Ap. Claudius Ap.f. C.n. Pulcher, T. Manlius, and Q. Urbinius, from Rome. Editor: It's striking—the raised relief against the worn surface, especially the chariot scene, evokes a sense of dynamic energy frozen in metal. Curator: These coins were crucial tools for shaping public perception, not just currency. They often alluded to the moneyer's family history, effectively acting as propaganda. Editor: Look at how the artist uses the limited space to create depth, with the horses rendered in profile. The inscription acts as a kind of grounding element. Curator: Exactly. The imagery would resonate with a Roman audience familiar with ancestral virtues and the power of the state. It's fascinating to see how wealth and politics intertwined in antiquity. Editor: For me, it's the abstract quality of the design that endures, a visual language that transcends its original purpose. Curator: A vital reminder of how art shapes history, and vice versa.