Around 490 BCE, 2 Athenian architects were put to a task, to design a larger temple to be built using the existing foundation of the Parthenon temple built for Athena. The workers were told to use the finest white marble throughout the whole works, even on the roof. All of the dimensions had to be right when building this temple, including the spacing between each column as well as the different thickness of the columns in different areas. The point was so that the temple would have an organic appearance to it rather than looking "like a heavy, lifeless stone box." (p. 130 Stockstad) The sculptural decoration of the Parthenon reflects Pheidias' unifying aesthetic vision, but at the same time conveys the triumph of the democratic Greek cities and the Greek civilization over barbarism.
Over several centuries, some of the sculptures and parts of the temple got lost and other became damaged. Many of the Parthenon Marbles were recovered throughout time and were placed in the museums of six different European countries. However, most of the sculptures could be found in either Athens, or London.
I think that it is a good idea that the sculptures were placed in the British Museum. That way, not only Greeks, but many more people have a chance to appreciate them and learn more about the Greek temple and its sculptures. I personally enjoy aesthetic works more than I do ancient and historic art, so I don't see how it can problematic otherwise for anybody when these beautiful remains of Parthenon were placed in the British Museum. I understand why someone would want the Parthenon marbles be returned to Athens, to their original location where they were carved and turned into the magnificent Parthenon temple, giving pride to the architects and the workers who worked on this project. But at the same time, I think that it's great that other people get to enjoy them as well, in their local museums. I think that the marbles should stay in London. That way, instead of it seeming like the British are robing the Athens of its sculptures, Britain had simply moved them to a different location, therefore, creating a mini-Athens in another part of the European continent.
You had a very interesting take on the marbles, thank you for sharing it! I do agree with what you said about Greece sharing the marbles. It is important to be well rounded person everywhere and I think that part of that is experiencing these kinds of classical arts and historical artifacts. I agree that it is good of Britain to have these, however I do think that it is important for the culture of the Greeks that their rightful belongings are returned to them.
ReplyDeleteYou have a nice perspective about the creation of a mini-Athens on the other side of Europe. Having the Parthenon sculptures spread in different locations allows more people to enjoy the art at the same time.
ReplyDelete-Prof. Bowen
Your opinion on why the British should keep the Parthenon Marbles is a very interesting one. It is understandable that when one spends a great deal of money to obtain an work of art one will feel slighted or cheated to have to give it up. What we the human race feels when we have a sense of ownership can overrule all else.
ReplyDeleteWe are not just talking about sharing a work of art. We are discussing holding a piece of a countries identity hostage. While the bill of sale was "NOT" signed by a single citizen of Greece, we must admit that possession is 9/10 of the law.
It is very unfortunate that the British museum will not allow for the housing of these beautiful works in Greece. They could have the opportunity to build a stronger connection with the public and the Greek arts. How often and which art works they could have sent for exhibitions to their prestegious establishment could create a far more complete world for the viewing public.
Imagine how many people would visit these halls over and over to see works that they may never get a chance anywhere else. And that is the point Greece may have many ruins but they also have many other great works of art we rarely see. There would be a chance for this work to see the light of day and those of us who can not travel to these places may still have a chance to view them with awe and wonder. If nothing else perhaps we can agree that replicas of these beautiful works should be created in order that both of these entities can be whole.
I like your perspective on having the marbles in London, I didn't know too much about the controversy of it until hearing it from the lecture, but it's fascinating how the difference would have been between closely viewing the detail of the sculptures and admiring them versus viewing them from a ground perspective up to the temple where we can't receive much information about the sculptures. Good post!
ReplyDeleteYou have a very interesting way of looking at things. I like it. I like how you mentioned the idea to have a mini-Athens in another part of the world. I agree with you that it would be nice to have the Parthenon Marbles back in Greece. My main concern with Greece and Britain arguing about the marbles is that the marbles are going to be the ones who end up suffering along with those who love and appreciate art. The main thing to focus on are the marbles. It would be nice to see both countries lay down their pride for the sake of the marbles and simply focus on how they can preserve them longer and share them with the world.
ReplyDeleteI like Sparkle Joy's idea of creating good replicas of the originals that can be made so that other countries, such as Britain, can enjoy the art work as well. Why I think the originals should be returned to Greece is because of the sculptures historical connection to Athens and the people who live there. We can admire them as aesthetic works of art, but we must not forget that they are tied to the history of Athens, and show a glimpse of a rich history of culture of the people of Greece. This is more than just a pretty work of art for them, this is a part of their history. The original intentions of how the art was to be viewed and the context of the meaning of the art is totally lost when stuck inside a building in England. I would have a much better context for the art having just walked around the ruins of the Acropolis, like Karli Bannister was able to do, than I would walking on the streets of London.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in that the marbles should remain in London; although I have a somewhat different reasoning (and can also agree with those who think they should be returned) I found yours to be quite interesting and agreeable. From the view of one who enjoys looking at art more so than appreciating the history it makes plenty of good sense to keep the marbles in London, that way their beauty can be shared and appreciated by those outside of Rome. Many works of art have been taken from their homes and put on display all over the world, and with this collection being so large only adds to the appeal of having it in more than one location, there is plenty to go around
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