Sestertius of Alexander Severus c. 3th century

Editor: Here we have a Sestertius of Alexander Severus, a coin housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The imagery is quite worn, but it still feels very powerful. What do you see in this piece, looking beyond its monetary value? Curator: It's a fascinating object when viewed through a critical lens. Coins like this were not just currency, but carefully crafted propaganda. Consider who is represented, and what that representation tells us about power structures and imperial ambitions. How does it reflect Roman values and project their image to a diverse population? Editor: So, it's less about the artistry and more about the message it conveys? Curator: The artistry is intertwined with the message. The choice of imagery, the depiction of power, these were all deliberate choices meant to shape public perception. It's a window into the complex interplay of art, politics, and identity in the Roman Empire. I learned a lot. Editor: I agree, it’s really interesting to consider how such a small object could hold so much cultural weight.