Exploration of powerful women on coins, revealing historical distortions and gender representation.
Spanning almost 2,000 years and over 2,500 miles, this exhibition delves into the historical depiction of women on coins from London to Ctesiphon (present-day Baghdad), showcasing gender-fluid deities from 3rd-century BC to Elizabeth II in 2022. The exhibition highlights female rulers, leaders, and icons whose narratives have been distorted or marginalised across centuries.
Coins represent power and propaganda, conveying economic and diplomatic influence while artistically depicting political, social, and religious power dynamics. These tiny relics encapsulate history, reflecting how influential figures, irrespective of gender, sought to express their authority. Yet, historical accounts often undermined women's roles, oversimplifying their significance, making this exhibition a vital exploration into gender representation in numismatic art.
Get a National Art Pass and explore Barber Institute of Fine Arts
You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK
Visitor information
Address
University Of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West Midlands, B15 2TS
01214 147333
Opening times
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm.
For the most up to date information, please check our website: https://barber.org.uk/
Exclusions and safety measures
Refurbishments
Please check our website.
Visitor information
What else is on at Barber Institute of Fine Arts
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.