Author Description
Based on a detailed study of both original records and recent discoveries, Lord Elgin and the Marbles is the authoritative historical account of the extraordinary circumstances in which the Elgin Marbles were acquired, of the tremendous impact which they made on modern appreciation of Greek art, and of the bitter reaction of Napoleon, Byron, and many others to their appropriation. In the concluding chapters of his book, St. Clair adds further fuel to the controversy by revealing for the first time some disturbing details about the treatment of the Marbles while in the British Museum's care, and of the British Museum's response to public concerns about this important cultural artefact.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the complex historical circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the Parthenon Marbles by Lord Elgin and the subsequent ethical and cultural debates regarding their ownership. William St. Clair, a noted historian, utilizes primary source documentation and archival research to reconstruct the timeline of the removal of these artifacts from Athens. The text presents a comprehensive framework for understanding how these sculptures influenced Western perceptions of Greek art while simultaneously igniting long-standing political and moral controversies.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Detailed analysis of the diplomatic and financial conditions in the Ottoman Empire during the early 19th century.
- Examination of the reception of the Marbles by contemporary figures such as Lord Byron and Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Investigation into the physical preservation and handling of the sculptures within the British Museum.
Scope Limits
- The book does not provide a comprehensive history of the Parthenon itself, focusing primarily on the period of the Elgin acquisition and its aftermath.
- It does not offer a legal resolution to the ongoing repatriation claims, instead focusing on the historical record of the events.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and historians frequently cite this work as the foundational text for understanding the provenance and controversy of the Elgin Marbles. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a thorough and balanced account of a highly polarized subject.
Page Count:
456
Publication Date:
1998-08-13
ISBN-10:
0192880535
ISBN-13:
9780192880536
History
Biography
Archaeology
ELGIN MARBLES
Art History