Denarius of Severus Alexander, Rome c. 227

Curator: The Denarius of Severus Alexander presents a powerful profile, doesn’t it? It seems both fragile and imposing. Editor: Absolutely. A small coin, yet monumental in its symbolic weight. The gaze projects authority. Curator: Precisely. This denarius, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums, offers a glimpse into the image-making strategies of the Roman Empire. These aren’t mere objects of currency; they are tools of propaganda. Editor: I wonder about the figure on the reverse. Is it a representation of a female power, perhaps a deified empress, or an allegory of Rome herself? These coins were, in a way, the social media of their time. Curator: Exactly. The coin, in its own right, reflects on gender roles and the perceived power of women in antiquity. It's a form of Roman art with multiple intersectional dialogues within. Editor: I find it fascinating how such a modest object speaks volumes about power, representation, and ideology. Curator: Indeed. A reminder that even the smallest artifacts can reveal the grandest narratives. Editor: I will keep that in mind.