Ducat of Roger II of Sicily c. 1130 - 1154

Editor: This is a Ducat of Roger II of Sicily, its material looks like silver, and it’s at the Harvard Art Museums. The imagery is quite striking. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This coin offers a fascinating glimpse into the construction of power and identity in 12th-century Sicily. Roger II, a Norman king, deliberately blended Christian and Islamic symbols to legitimize his rule over a diverse population. What does this syncretism suggest about the political landscape of the time? Editor: It sounds like he was trying to unite different groups under his leadership by using familiar imagery. Curator: Precisely. The images aren’t just aesthetic choices, but deliberate strategies to consolidate power and navigate complex cultural identities. It makes me wonder, to what extent does contemporary political art reflect this kind of intersectional narrative? Editor: That’s a great question to consider when looking at art today. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's all about questioning the narratives around us.