Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 201s

Editor: This is a Denarius of Septimius Severus from the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredible to think about the power this small coin once held. What can you tell me about its imagery? Curator: This coin speaks volumes. The portrait of Severus, rendered in profile, echoes a lineage of Roman power, but it also subtly shifts the visual language. Editor: How so? Curator: Observe the reverse: Severus on horseback, trampling an enemy. It's a powerful symbol of military strength. But is it just about conquest? Consider the cultural anxiety of a ruler who had to constantly assert his legitimacy through such forceful imagery. Editor: That's a really interesting point. It shows how deeply images can be embedded in the psychology of power. Curator: Indeed. This coin is not just currency, it's a carefully constructed message.