Denarius of L. Plautius Plancus, Rome c. 47 BCE

Editor: Here we have a Denarius of L. Plautius Plancus, created in Rome by the moneyer L. Plautius Plancus. Looking at it, I am struck by the depiction of what appears to be a Gorgon on one side. What do you see in this piece, beyond its obvious function as currency? Curator: For me, this coin transcends mere monetary value. The Gorgon, often viewed as monstrous, becomes a symbol of female power, capable of warding off evil. How might we read this image in relation to broader conversations about female agency within the Roman Republic? Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t considered it as an assertion of power. It's usually framed negatively in mythology. Curator: Exactly! By reclaiming this image, Plancus perhaps subtly challenged patriarchal norms. It makes you consider the intended audience and their potential interpretations. Editor: I guess I was thinking too literally, not considering the socio-political implications of the imagery. Curator: It's a constant process of re-evaluation. Considering its original context can profoundly shift our contemporary understanding. Editor: Thanks, I’ll definitely look at art with a more critical eye now!