I feel that the Parthenon Marbles, being a great piece of history and art, should not be in London in a British Museum. Their rightful place should be in the Parthenon where they originated. I would go as far as saying that it would be like taking the Liberty Bell or Abraham Lincoln’s statue and displaying it in a German Museum. Taking a piece of a country and society’s history is almost an insult to them; basically saying “Nyah Nyah” and leaving them with their jaws open. At what I understand about the Marbles, Thomas Bruce or the earl of Elgin had “purchased” these marbles. There are speculations and questions about the authentication of the documents that prove Lord Elgin had indeed purchased the art pieces. His intent was to take these Marbles home and decorate his mansion with them and live with his wife in luxury. But after he had come back to England, she had left him. The pieces were the center of a large financial dispute and were sold. It has been said that the Greek Government has tried to and unsuccessfully gain back the marbles for the Parthenon.
I feel that is it is very problematic that the British Museum is only focusing on the aesthetics of the piece. But encouraging the aesthetics of the Parthenon Marbles, we overlook the historical context and do not see that its rightful place is back in Athens. We can appreciate the extent the British Museum is putting out about the artistic and visual components of the Marbles; the talent and skill needed to make these incredible works of art is highly recognized and valued. However, as beautifully exhibited and displayed the Marbles are, it is still known to be original pieces of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. These pieces derive from the Greek and it should be there displayed in the Parthenon, which has been around since 438 BC.
The Parthenon marbles should not stay in London at all. Though Thomas Bruce had “purchased” these marbles from himself and later displayed in London where he had resided, it’s rightful and equitable resting place should be where it had been taken so long ago, Athens. I feel that by reuniting all the missing pieces of the Parthenon will give a better understanding of originality, respect, and most of all culture. It was built to remain intact and, as a temple of Athena, remain undestroyed. Now aging and time has deteriorated most of the structure, the creators knew that this would happen. I understand that by taking these pieces and restoring and protecting them would be ideal but I believe a Greek Museum could do the same; even restoring the actual Parthenon could always be a possibility.
I know that there are many controversies surrounding the issues of the Elgin Marbles. From looking at both sides of the argument, I feel that history and aesthetics can be both satisfied if returned to the rightful owner and place of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
Since there are a several issues that arise from the whether the Parthenon Marbles should stay where they are or be sent back to Greece, thinking more along the lines of strategic play, would you try to venture a guess of way to persuade them from giving the Parthenon Marbles back to Greece? I am sure Greece has done everything possible, due to the significance the Parthenon Marbles bring.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, I feel like the Parthenon Marbles should be back at Greece and not at a British Museum in London. The Parthenon Marbles are apart of Greece history and to have them displayed somewhere out side of Greece is really depressing. I like how you compared this situation to the idea of having the Liberty Bell or Abraham Lincoln’s statue taken and placed in another countries museum. These monuments are very important to our country and I can imagine that the U.S. would be trying everything they could to get them back, like the people in Greece are trying to do.
ReplyDeleteI agree that they should be returned to Greece. I like your description of what it must look like to the Greek people; like the British are little five-year-olds with their tongues sticking out and saying "Ha ha we have your artwork". To me, I don't think it matters that many years ago a British ambassador "bought" the Parthenon Marbles; now the Greek people are free and Greece is an independent country, and that is their artwork!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your side of the argument. I also like that you used an example that is relatable for us in our culture to understand because sometimes the distance skews our perception. Do you think that the missing pieces and the change in the aesthetics such as the lack of paint could be recovered if the pieces were given back to Greece. I think that the Greeks now have the capability and space to house these pieces and to keep them protected all while displaying their true meaning and history.
ReplyDeleteHaving a rightful place back in Greece, the Parthenon Marbles should not be in London... I agree. It just reminds me how cruel and selfish the world can be, even when it comes to art. Your argument is completely justified. It's like taking something of ours (Hollywood sign) and taking to another country for display. It's not right!
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