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What is the controversy over the Parthenon marbles?
Large sections of the Parthenon frieze, an extraordinary series of relief sculptures depicting a mysterious procession of chariots, animals and people, numbered among the loot. Among critics, the removal of the so-called Elgin Marbles has long been described as an egregious act of imperial plunder.
What is the debate surrounding the Parthenon sculptures?
For the Parthenon sculptures, the main substantive issues are (1) whether Lord Elgin had the permission of the Ottoman government to remove the sculptures from the Parthenon and to ship them to England, and (2) whether any international law exists that would require the sculptures to be turned over.
Why the Parthenon marbles should not be returned to Greece?
Greece, foundation of Western civilization, member of the European Union, is one of us, not one of them.” In other words, returning the Elgin Marbles today would only reinforce the colonial principle that museums are places where “Western” powers display the cultural treasures of the “global south.” And that principle …
What is the British Museum’s argument for keeping the marbles?
The British Museum argues that the sculptures in their collection should remain in London because there’s nowhere to house them in Greece and that the Greek authorities can’t look after them.
What are the main arguments by those who think the Parthenon marbles should return to Greece?
Perhaps the most impassioned argument for the return of the Parthenon sculptures is that the pieces represent a vital and central part of Greek cultural heritage. That they are the most prominent and symbolic link that modern Athens and modern Athenians have with the greatness of their ancient ancestors.
What is the issue with Elgin Marbles?
Air pollution and acid rain have damaged the marble and stonework. The last remaining slabs from the western section of the Parthenon frieze were removed from the monument in 1993 for fear of further damage. They have now been transported to the New Acropolis Museum.
Which two countries are in a debate over the ownership of the Elgin Marbles?
Thus began an ongoing dispute between the museum and Greece over ownership of the 2,500-year-old marbles, today also referred to by some in the U.K. as the Elgin Marbles.
What are some of the arguments supporting Greece’s claim for the return of the Parthenon marbles?
What is the debate over the Elgin marbles?
The Elgin Marbles have been controversial for over 200 years, with the Acropolis Museum in Athens – which houses the remaining sculptures – keeping a space empty for them amongst its current display. Greece considers the Elgin Marbles stolen goods and has frequently demanded that they’re returned.
Should the Parthenon marbles be returned?
The Parthenon Marbles belong to Athens and they should now return, The Times of London, Britain’s leading newspaper, says in its main editorial on Wednesday. It is a spectacular u-turn for the Times which admits that for decades it had resisted the repatriation of the antiquities from the British Museum.
Why should we keep the Elgin marbles?
Housed in the British Museum, the marbles serve a far larger audience in London than they would if they were sent back to Athens. Based on their immeasurable contributions to humanity’s historical and artistic legacy, they are considered by many to be best seen within the context of a world collection.
What aspect of the Parthenon is disputed?
The British Museum also disputes Greece’s claim that the Elgin Marbles are a symbol of Greece. The museum asserts that the marbles are part of a larger interconnected narrative — that they represent western democracy and are an emblem of western European civilization.
Should the Parthenon marbles be returned to Athens?
What are some of the arguments supporting Greece’s claim for the return of the Parthenon Marbles?
Should the Parthenon marbles be repatriated to Greece?
A former UK culture minister says that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece, fuelling the long-standing debate over the reunification of the fifth-century works that have been housed at the British Museum since the early 19th century.
Should we reunite the Parthenon Marbles with Athens?
In its effort to counter mounting public pressure to return the Parthenon Marbles to Athens, the British Museum has used a range of arguments over the years, all of which can be refuted. This perhaps explains why majority public opinion continues to favour the reunification of the Marbles as the right thing to do.
What was the result of the National Hellenic Museum’s Marbles trial?
The National Hellenic Museum (NHM) presented the fourth Trial in its acclaimed series before an audience of over 800 citizens, whose votes tilted the scales of justice in favor of Greece’s claim for the Marbles. The jury also ruled 8-4 for the Marbles’ return. Judge Richard Posner cast the sole dissenting vote in the 4-1 decision of the judges.
What happened to the sculptures from the Parthenon?
However, in 1801, Elgin obtained a permit from the Ottoman Empire, who at the time ruled over Greece, to start removing many of the surviving Parthenon sculptures, after which he sent them back to London with the intention of having them displayed in the British Museum.
What does the Parthenon collection consist of?
The collection consists of a number of pediments and metope panels that depict battle scenes between the Centaurs and the Lapiths as well as part of the temple frieze, all of which once decorated the Parthenon temple on the Athenian Acropolis.