Denarius of Caracalla c. 213

Curator: The "Denarius of Caracalla," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents us with a tangible link to the Roman Empire. The obverse bares the emperor’s bust. Editor: What strikes me immediately is its miniature scale, yet the palpable weight of history and power it holds. Curator: Indeed. The denarius itself, a silver coin, functioned as a vital instrument of Roman authority and commerce. The depiction of Caracalla reinforces his image and legitimacy. Editor: And consider the symbols chosen. His laureate head signifies victory and imperial status, mirroring the deity on the reverse, potentially Pax, bearing an olive branch. It is a powerful invocation of peace and prosperity. Curator: Precisely. The circular form, beyond its practical function, creates a contained field for visual propaganda. Notice the crisp lines and calculated arrangement of text around the images. Editor: Ultimately, it shows how objects, however small, transmit cultural and political ideologies across centuries. Curator: A potent reminder that even the smallest artifact is dense with meaning and historical significance.