Parthenon Sculptures

Source- This post is based on the article “What are the Parthenon Sculptures, at the centre of the row between Britain and Greece?” published in “The Indian Express” on 28th November 2023.

Why in the News?

Greece and the UK are engaged in a diplomatic row over the status of the Parthenon Sculptures housed at the British Museum.

What are Parthenon Sculptures?

The Parthenon Temple

The Parthenon Sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles, are a collection of classical Greek marble sculptures that once adorned the Parthenon temple (dedicated to the goddess Athena) on the rocky Acropolis hills of Athens.

History- The Parthenon was constructed in the 5th century BC, reflecting the power and dominance of the then city-state of Athens. It became a symbol for the modern nation state of Greece following independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1832.

Architect- The majority of the sculptures were created under the direction of sculptor and architect Phidias

What is the Controversy and How did they come to the British Museum?

– The  Parthenon Sculptures were removed by Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin and the then British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, in the early 19th century.
– The marbles were then taken to Britain and later purchased by the British Museum in 1816. British Museum consists of more than 30 ancient stone Parthenon sculptures.
– Lord Elgin claimed that he had obtained permission from the Ottoman authorities to remove the sculptures but Athen accuses Lord Elgin of theft. As the original letter giving him permission has been lost, its text remains disputed.

What are some International Agreements on Cultural Property Trafficking?

UN resolution 2347 related to the protection of cultural heritage.

The 1970 UNESCO Convention: On the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. India is a signatory to the Convention.

UPSC Syllabus- Art & Culture and International Relations