The crabs as found 1879

The object depicted here is an ancient sculpture made of stone, likely limestone or sandstone, given its granular texture and warm, sandy color. These fragments would have been carved using a combination of techniques: chiseling to remove larger portions of stone, finer work with pointed tools to define the forms, and perhaps abrasive techniques using sand to polish the surface. The presence of inscriptions suggests highly skilled lapidary work. Though we don't know the original context, monumental stone carving was an expression of imperial power. The immense amount of labor involved and the specialized skills required reflected the resources of the ruling class. These sculptures served not just as decoration, but as a demonstration of Roman authority. The fracturing and weathering of the stone underscores the artwork’s complicated social life. The sculptures stand as testaments to both the ambition of ancient empires and the relentless passage of time.