LONDON, UK - The Elgin Marbles, or Parthenon Sculptures, are a collection of Classical Greek marble sculptures made under the supervision of the architect and sculptor Phidias. They were originally part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens, and their continued presence at the British Museum in the face of Greece's requests for their return has led to international controversy. The British Museum, in London, is one of the largest and most comprehensive of the world's museums. It is dedicated to human history, art, and culture, and was established in 1753
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Contributor:
David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
RDP2K1File size:
90 MB (3.8 MB Compressed download)Releases:
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6867 x 4583 px | 58.1 x 38.8 cm | 22.9 x 15.3 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
22 September 2018Location:
Bloomsbury, London, City of London, United KingdomMore information:
The Elgin Marbles are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures, friezes, and architectural pieces that were originally part of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis of Athens. They are now displayed at the British Museum in London. The collection was acquired by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin, and British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, in the early 19th century. Lord Elgin removed the sculptures from the Parthenon and transported them to Britain, where they were later purchased by the British government and placed in the British Museum. The Elgin Marbles are considered masterpieces of classical Greek art and represent significant aspects of ancient Greek culture, history, and mythology. The collection includes intricate friezes depicting the Panathenaic procession, metopes illustrating battles between the Lapiths and Centaurs, and pediments showcasing Greek gods and goddesses. The ownership and display of the Elgin Marbles have been a subject of international debate and controversy for decades. The Greek government has repeatedly called for the repatriation of the sculptures, arguing that they are integral to Greece's cultural heritage and should be returned to their original location. The British Museum maintains that the Elgin Marbles were legally acquired and that their continued display in London allows for broader access to these important pieces of art history. The ongoing dispute surrounding the Elgin Marbles raises questions about cultural property, preservation, and the role of museums in safeguarding global heritage.