Coins Were the Social Media of Antiquity: New Exhibition at Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) in Vienna has launched a new presentation titled 'My Story – Ancient Female Portraits and Their Afterlife' as part of its 'Vitrine Extra' series. The exhibition highlights Roman marble portraits of women, offering insights into their historical significance from antiquity to the post-antique period. Curator Manuela Laubenberger leads a research project aimed cataloging the museum's 250 Roman portraits, many of which remain in storage. The project focuses on provenance, restoration history, and the original appearance of these artifacts, noting that many were altered over centuries to fit contemporary tastes. The article draws a parallel between ancient coins and modern social media, suggesting both served as tools for public image construction. Additionally, the upcoming 'Antiquae Feminae' symposium at the World Museum will discuss current research on ancient female portraits. The exhibition features rarely seen items, including a bust of Julia Titi and a grave relief, emphasizing how these objects reflect personal stories and societal roles, such as the ideal of the venerable matron.