Follis of Constantine I, Rome c. 4th century

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Constantine I from Rome. The small bronze coin feels incredibly weighty, imbued with the power it once represented. How do you interpret this piece? Curator: I see it as a potent symbol of empire and the construction of identity. Consider how Constantine strategically used coinage to disseminate his image and message. What narratives were being constructed through these mass-produced objects, and who had access to them? Editor: So, more than just currency, it's a form of propaganda? Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to consider the role of art in shaping perceptions of power and the narratives that underpin social structures. Editor: That’s fascinating – it really makes you rethink the purpose of something so small. Curator: Absolutely, it reminds us that even seemingly insignificant objects can carry immense cultural and political weight.