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"It is not self-evident for any sculpted or painted image to be visible, looked at, understandable, or be destined for human eyes. Many images, like Trajan’s column, are expressive but not informative. Reception varies depending on the culture of the spectators. An image absent-mindedly sighted in passing could be very efficient. The Roman imperial coinage expressed neither political information nor political intentions, nor was it propagandist. This constitutes the differences between modern propaganda and monarchic pageantry, which was expressive and yet paid no interest in the spectators. We can distinguish between traditional power, with pageantry and love of the king; constitutional power, with possible propaganda; and charismatic power (Augustus), with charisma in the true sense of the word."