Denarius of Septimius Severus c. 197

Curator: This is a silver denarius of Septimius Severus, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought is: so much power condensed into something so tiny. It's almost unbelievable. Curator: Indeed. The formal composition showcases a portrait of Severus himself, juxtaposed with an allegorical figure on the reverse side, perhaps symbolizing victory. Editor: The texture is mesmerizing. You can almost feel the weight of history just by looking at it. It’s like holding a galaxy in your hand. Curator: Its materiality—the very nature of the metal—speaks to empire, trade, and of course, propaganda. Every detail meticulously crafted to convey authority. Editor: It's a potent reminder that art doesn't always need to be grand in scale to be profoundly impactful. It shows just how much a singular artwork can encompass. Curator: A worthy reflection, encapsulating the symbolic weight of this small yet powerful artifact.