Elgin Marbles

Definition

The Elgin Marbles are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that were part of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens. These artworks, dating back to the 5th century BC, are significant for their artistic quality and historical context, representing a key moment in ancient Greek art and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Elgin Marbles were originally part of the Parthenon, created under the direction of the sculptor Phidias around 447-432 BC.
2. They consist of sculptures, friezes, and reliefs that depict various mythological and historical scenes, showcasing the high point of classical Greek art.
3. In 1801, Lord Elgin obtained permission to remove these artworks from Greece, which has led to a long-standing dispute over their ownership between Greece and the British Museum.
4. The marbles have been a central symbol in discussions about cultural heritage, colonialism, and repatriation of artifacts to their country of origin.
5. Despite being housed in the British Museum for over two centuries, there has been a growing movement advocating for their return to Greece, especially after the opening of the Acropolis Museum in 2009.

Review Questions

• How did Lord Elgin's actions regarding the Elgin Marbles reflect broader themes of colonialism in the early 19th century?
  • Lord Elgin's removal of the Elgin Marbles from Greece can be seen as part of a larger pattern of colonialism during the early 19th century. His justification for taking these artworks was rooted in his belief that European powers had a right to acquire cultural treasures from other nations. This act exemplifies how colonial powers often disregarded local heritage and identity while claiming to preserve culture, highlighting tensions between Western appropriation and Eastern heritage.
• Discuss the significance of the Elgin Marbles in relation to Neoclassicism and its impact on European art.
  • The Elgin Marbles played a crucial role in shaping Neoclassical art by serving as an inspiring source for artists in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The marbles showcased ideals of beauty, proportion, and harmony that Neoclassical artists sought to emulate in their works. Their influence is evident in various art forms, including sculpture, architecture, and painting, as artists looked back to ancient Greek art for inspiration to convey ideals of democracy and humanism prevalent at that time.
• Evaluate the cultural implications surrounding the debate over the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece.
  • The debate over whether the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece raises important cultural implications regarding ownership, identity, and historical justice. Advocates for their return argue that these artworks are integral to Greek national identity and heritage, emphasizing that they belong in their original context. Conversely, opponents claim that keeping them in institutions like the British Museum allows for broader access and preservation. This ongoing discussion reflects deeper issues about how cultures negotiate their histories and the legacies of colonialism.

Related terms

Parthenon:

A former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena, which housed numerous sculptures and reliefs that were part of the Elgin Marbles.

Lord Elgin: The British nobleman who removed the marbles from Greece in the early 19th century, claiming he had permission from the Ottoman Empire, leading to ongoing debates about their rightful ownership.

Neoclassicism: An artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, inspired by the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome, which was significantly influenced by the Elgin Marbles.