Denarius of Severus Alexander c. 226

Curator: Here we have a Denarius of Severus Alexander, housed in the Harvard Art Museums. The piece's worn surface carries so much history. Editor: Indeed. The immediate impression is one of power, but also fragility. This small coin reflects how deeply Roman leaders invested in their image. Curator: This coin, like many others of the era, was not just currency; it was carefully disseminated propaganda. Severus Alexander understood the public role of imagery. Editor: Absolutely. Considering our current intersectional framework, we can examine whose image was being prioritized and at what cost. Who was excluded from this narrative? Curator: A vital point. The coin showcases the emperor’s profile on one side and a representation of a deity on the other, reinforcing Roman power structures. Editor: And thinking about the coin's circulation, it literally put these symbols of power into the hands of people across the empire. That act holds so much weight. Curator: It's amazing how such a small object can speak volumes about the Roman Empire's ideology. Editor: Exactly. Examining art with this perspective is how we see the complexities of our society today.