Running head: ELGIN MARBLES 1
Essay About the Elgin Marbles
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
ELGIN MARBLES 2
Essay About the Elgin Marbles
Summary of the controversy
The removal of the marbles from the Parthenon and the basis for the removal of these
marbles is one of the most underlying causes of the debates between the Greeks and the
British governments over the same. While the British government holds that Elgin had the
right to remove the marbles as a way of preserving the arts from the attacks to the Parthenon
that risked their future, the Greek government argues that it was an act of pillage, rather than
preservation. Basing their arguments on the firman, the decree issued by Sultan Selim III to
Elgin, which was used as a validation to take the marbles, the defenders of Lord Elgin argue
that taking the Marbles was an act of preservation. On the other hand, the critics claim that
the history of British conservation was not that much sensitive as to make them take the
marbles for preservation purposes.
My take on the issue
From my point of view, I think the Greek government should reclaim the ownership
of the Elgin Marbles for two main reasons. First, the British government and the supporters
of the removal and transportation of the sculptures to London argue that it was an act of
preservation from the poor state of the Parthenon at that time. Therefore, since the restoration
of the Acropolis Museum of Athens, it is time they return the preserved sculptures to show
that it was indeed an act of preservation, and not pillage. Secondly, the apparent reason would
be that the marbles are indicative of European civilization as a whole, not just of Greek
heritage. Therefore, the act of the British government to continue holding on to the marbles
questions their support for the preservation of art and promotion of cultural heritage.
