Dupondius of Commodus c. 2th century

Curator: Before us is a Dupondius of Commodus, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The patina of age gives it a somber, almost melancholic feel, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. Its material production speaks volumes about Roman imperial power, class, and representation. Commodus placed himself on this currency, manipulating his image and role through mass-produced materials. Editor: And how the labor of countless artisans was harnessed for that self-promotion! That manipulation reflects broader power dynamics. Were there other forms of labor used in the making of this coin? Curator: Precisely. It reminds us that even the smallest artifact carries the weight of history and ideology. Editor: It’s sobering to consider the social cost embedded in such a seemingly mundane object.