Dupondius or As of Faustina II 161 - 176

Editor: Here we have the "Dupondius or As of Faustina II," an artifact currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Its worn surface gives it an aura of mystery. What stories do you think it tells? Curator: This coin presents a fascinating glimpse into the construction of imperial female identity. It's not merely a portrait; it's a carefully crafted representation designed to project power and influence. How do you see Faustina II being portrayed here, and what does that suggest about her role in Roman society? Editor: I see a powerful figure, but also, as a woman, perhaps constrained by those expectations? Curator: Exactly! It's a negotiation. The coin presents a sanctioned image of a woman in power, but it also reinforces certain ideals, like her association with fertility and virtue. Considering today's media landscape, does this coin remind you of ways women leaders are still portrayed? Editor: That's a really interesting comparison. It makes you think about how much—or how little—has changed in the ways society views women in power. Curator: Precisely. It invites us to critically examine both the past and our present.