Denarius of L. Scribonius Libo, Rome c. 62 BCE

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of L. Scribonius Libo from Rome. It’s a small silver coin featuring a portrait, and it feels incredibly weighty considering its size. How do you interpret its imagery? Curator: This coin presents a fascinating intersection of power, representation, and identity. Consider how the figure on the obverse embodies Roman ideals, while the reverse, depicting a well, likely alludes to Libo's lineage and perhaps even to narratives of wealth and civic contribution. What does it mean to circulate images of power? Editor: I see, it is not just about the person depicted on it, but also about ancestry. Curator: Exactly! And who had access to these narratives? How does this reinforce existing hierarchies, shaping Roman social and political life? Editor: I guess it’s more than just money. It’s propaganda on a small scale. Curator: Precisely. And thinking about its materiality – silver – who controlled its production and distribution? Editor: That’s a whole other layer to consider. Curator: Indeed. It encourages us to deconstruct not just the image, but the entire system of meaning embedded within it. Editor: I'll definitely look at ancient art differently now. Curator: That's the idea!