Denarius of Julia Domna c. 196 - 211

Curator: This is a Denarius of Julia Domna, the wife of Emperor Septimius Severus, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s remarkable how much detail is packed into such a small object. The relief is surprisingly intricate, even with the wear and tear. Curator: These coins served as propaganda tools, circulating images and messages of imperial power and influence throughout the Roman Empire. Julia Domna was a powerful figure in her own right, and her portrait on coinage asserted her role in the imperial family. Editor: The artist has really captured the regal quality. The use of line and contour to define her features and the drapery is quite skilled, especially given the scale of the coin. Curator: Indeed. And consider the political implications: circulating her image bolstered her position and connected her visually to concepts of Roman power and prosperity. Editor: I agree. Despite its modest size, it speaks volumes about power, representation, and the enduring legacy of Roman artistry. Curator: A fascinating object that bridges art, history, and politics. Editor: A microcosm of empire rendered in metal.