Explore the history and controversy of the Parthenon Marbles, from their creation to Lord Elgin's acquisition. Learn about the complex legal and cultural issues, including a significant Ottoman letter. Discover the ongoing dispute between Greece and the British Museum, with insights on ownership, repatriation, and financial challenges.
Controversy surrounds the Parthenon Marbles due to their removal by Lord Elgin from Athens under the Ottoman Empire.
The British Museum Act of 1963 complicates repatriation efforts for the Parthenon Marbles.
Recent discussions show a potential shift in the British Museum's stance towards a compromise for the Parthenon Marbles.
Deep dives
Historical Evolution of the Marbles
The acquisition and ongoing legacy of the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the Elgin Marbles, have sparked debates around restitution and cultural heritage preservation. The marbles were initially known as the Elgin Marbles in the UK but have since been called the Parthenon sculptures or Parthenon Marbles to reflect their contentious status at the British Museum. The history of the sculptures dates back to the 5th century BC, originating from the Parthenon in Athens under the Ottoman Empire.
Lord Elgin's Role in Removing the Marbles
Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, played a key role in the removal of the marbles, commissioning artists to make molds and replicas before physically removing pieces from the Parthenon temple. Elgin's men engaged in substantial architectural damage to acquire these marbles, leading to a mix of pieces taken directly from the building and some excavated from the rubble around the site. Elgin's actions were influenced by Enlightenment ideals and a growing Western fascination with Greek antiquity.
British Museum's Acquisition and Legal Framework
Following the completion of the removal and transport of the marbles to Britain, the trustees of the British Museum acquired them from Lord Elgin for a sum of £35,000 in the early 19th century. The British Museum Act of 1963 prohibits the deaccessioning or disposal of items from the museum's collection, including the Parthenon Marbles. The museum's mission of universal access and preservation, coupled with legal restrictions, complicates discussions around repatriation efforts led by Greece and debates over the marbles' rightful ownership.
The Debate over the Parthenon Marbles
The discussion delves into the dispute between Greece and Britain concerning the return of the Parthenon Marbles. Greece views the marbles as integral to its national identity and historical heritage, while the British Museum argues that the marbles were legally acquired by Lord Elgin in the 19th century. Despite the museum's stance on legal ownership, recent developments have shown a softening in the British Museum's position, with discussions now focusing on a potential Parthenon partnership and the possibility of compromises such as long-term loans.
Historical Context and Current Perspectives
The podcast touches upon the historical backdrop of Greece's struggles under Ottoman rule, Nazi occupation, and internal conflicts, emphasizing the importance of the marbles to Greek national identity. Recent political figures in Greece and the UK, such as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and British Museum Chair George Osborne, indicate a shift towards dialogue and potential resolution. The broader European trend towards voluntary return of cultural artifacts underscores the growing acknowledgment of moral and ethical considerations over legal ownership in cultural heritage disputes.
Katie and Steve take a deep dive into the history and current status of the Parthenon Marbles with Alexander Herman, director of the Institute of Art and Law in London and author of the recent book The Parthenon Marbles Dispute: Heritage, Law, Politics.
