The Parthenon Marbles are probably the most interesting piece I’ve learned about this quarter. There is so much history behind them and the fact that there is an on going debate about them brings my interest in further. The Parthenon Marbles originally were sculptures attached to the Parthenon. Over time damage was conflicted on these sculptures during various configurations of the Parthenon. The Parthenon Marbles are the surviving sculptures from the Parthenon. Currently they are in the British Museum, which brings up controversy. The Athenian’s believe they need to be returned to them as apposed to staying in the British Museum, because ‘legally’ they did not belong there. Elgin sold them to the museum to get himself out of debt from his divorce. I personally feel that they belong in the British Museum where they can be recognized and studied. I believe by staying the British Museum there is more cultural gain for everyone.
I always believe historical context it the way to go. It is more intriguing and gives us a better understanding of the history of the piece, and can enlighten us about why certain artistic royalties were taken. The museum display can very easily display both the aesthetics as well as the historical context. I think the Parthenon Marbles should stay in the British Museum. While they are in the British Museum they are able to teach a new culture to people as apposed to teaching a culture to people who are already apart of said culture. Like what would happen if the Parthenon Marbles were to stay in Athens. Museums in my opinion should have various information and pieces from different cultures and multiple areas of the world. It’s one thing to learn about your own area, and it’s a completely new outlook to learn about how people from around the world created art. There are always differences in art from around the world and we won’t be able to see that if we don’t open our eyes to various forms from every nation. By the British Museum having the Parthenon Marbles they are sharing a different culture, and that story with their people.
I can see what you are saying about how the British Museum allows these pieces to be studied and recognized. Since we value aesthetics and anatomy so much today (in terms of art and artistic representation), it makes sense that the statues are displayed in a way that caters to our modern interest and approach to studying art.
ReplyDelete-Prof. Bowen
I agree with you when you say that museums should have different pieces of culture and art work from different countries, but on the other hand, moving the Marbles back to Athens would be very interesting! Even tho the British did gain from it, I think that they should move them back just so Athens can appreciate such a great piece in their own homeland.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting because you have a different opinion than mine. I also think that Elgin had a wrong decision for the Marbles. For the recognition and studying, the British Museum could be the good place. However, I think that the relic should be in the original place and it will be more helpful to recognition and studying. I agree that Museum should have variety things in it but I guess people could get more impression when they see the relic in the original country.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that the ongoing debate over these marbles makes it that much more interesting. The marbles have a great story behind them, from being taken then sold to get out of debt. I feel they would have more significance if back in Greece, just because of the history. It will be interesting to see how this heated debate pans out and if they can ever agree to send the marbles back!
ReplyDelete