Sestertius of Julia Mamaea 228

Curator: Here we have a sestertius of Julia Mamaea, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn surfaces speak to the passage of time. Editor: There's a solemn quality evoked by the low relief and the patinated bronze; it feels quite monumental despite its modest scale. Curator: Absolutely. As a powerful woman in the Severan dynasty, Julia Mamaea's image on coinage served to legitimize her son's rule, Severus Alexander, and project dynastic stability. The choice of imagery and inscription are deliberate assertions of power. Editor: I find it interesting how the artist has rendered her profile, emphasizing the classical Roman features. The controlled, almost rigid composition contributes to the sense of authority. Curator: Indeed, the coin's design conforms to the established iconography of Roman imperial portraiture, while, as the production of a female artist, it challenges the traditional patriarchal norms. Editor: Seeing this now, I realize how much this piece reveals, both in its form and historical implications. Curator: Exactly, it is a powerful testament.