Coin of Licinius II, Thessalonica 319

Editor: So, this is a coin of Licinius II from Thessalonica, currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a fascinating artifact, showing its age. What social narratives do you think it carries? Curator: Well, consider the imagery: a ruler's profile versus a personification of Victory. These aren't just images; they're carefully constructed messages of power and divine right intended to justify the existing social hierarchy. How might such depictions have influenced perceptions of authority among the coin's users? Editor: I hadn't thought about it as propaganda, but I suppose everything from that era served a purpose. I see the power dynamic now. Curator: Exactly. And who controlled the narrative? Who benefited? This coin is a window into how power was maintained and projected. Hopefully, this discussion inspires you to see that art can reflect and even shape our understanding of society. Editor: It definitely does. Thanks for bringing it to light!