Sestertius of Faustina the Elder c. 2th century

Editor: Here we have a sestertius of Faustina the Elder, a Roman coin memorializing the Empress. It looks quite worn, but you can still make out her profile. What do you see in this piece, beyond its obvious historical value? Curator: This coin isn't just about remembering Faustina; it's about constructing and controlling her image, even after death. Consider, who commissioned it? What power dynamics are at play when a woman's image is circulated in this way, especially by men? Editor: So, it’s less about her actual life, and more about the statement being made? Curator: Exactly. It raises questions about female representation and the male gaze. Even in memorial, her image serves a political function. It invites us to consider how women's stories are shaped and controlled throughout history. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. I guess even something as small as a coin can have so much to say about power and representation.