Denarius of Julius Caesar, Uncertain Mint c. 46 BCE

Editor: This is a Denarius of Julius Caesar. It's silver, and worn with age. What stands out to me are the figures inscribed on it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The imagery is striking, isn't it? Observe the Venus figure, a cultural symbol of divine ancestry which Caesar employed to legitimize his power. Consider how this resonates even today. Editor: It's like he's creating his own mythology. Do you think people at the time saw through that? Curator: Perhaps some did, but symbols have power regardless. Even skepticism becomes part of the dialogue. What do you think the enduring legacy of the Venus figure has on current politics? Editor: I hadn't considered that, but it’s interesting to think about the origins of image manipulation. Curator: Indeed. These images continue to shape our understanding.