Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Sculptures)
by Phidias, -432
Details
- Year
- -432
- Medium
- Marble
- Size
- Various sizes, frieze 160 m (525 ft) original length
The Elgin Marbles are a collection of ancient Greek sculptures removed from the Parthenon in Athens between 1801 and 1812 by agents of Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin. The marbles include sections of the frieze depicting the Panathenaic procession, metopes showing battles between gods and giants, and surviving pediment sculptures designed by Phidias.
The sculptures date to approximately 447-432 BCE, created during the golden age of Athens under Pericles. They represent the highest achievement of Classical Greek sculpture. The frieze alone originally stretched 160 meters around the Parthenon's inner chamber, depicting over 300 human figures and dozens of animals in the annual procession honoring Athena.
The marbles reside in the British Museum in London, displayed in a purpose-built gallery since 1816. Greece has formally requested their return since 1983, arguing they were removed without proper authority and belong in their original context. Britain maintains they were legally acquired and are better preserved in London. The dispute remains one of the most contentious issues in cultural heritage.
About Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Sculptures)
About half are at the British Museum in London, displayed in the purpose-built Duveen Gallery. The other half are at the Acropolis Museum in Athens, which was built partly to house them if they're ever returned. The British Museum's collection includes 15 metopes, 17 pedimental figures, and 75 meters (247 feet) of the original frieze.
They were carved between 447 and 432 BCE under the direction of sculptor Phidias, during the golden age of ancient Greek art. They decorated the Parthenon, the temple to Athena on the Acropolis in Athens. The frieze depicts the Panathenaic procession, and the metopes show battles between Centaurs and Lapiths.
Greece has demanded their return since the 1980s. The 7th Earl of Elgin removed them from the Parthenon between 1801 and 1812, claiming permission from the Ottoman rulers who controlled Greece at the time. The British government bought them from Elgin in 1816 for £35,000. Greece argues the removal was essentially looting. Britain maintains it was legal and that the museum preserved them from further damage.
Three types of architectural sculpture: the frieze shows a procession celebrating Athena's birthday. The metopes (square relief panels) depict mythological battles, primarily Centaurs fighting Lapiths at a wedding feast. The pediment figures are larger-than-life gods and heroes from the triangular gable ends of the temple. Together, they're among the finest surviving examples of Classical Greek carving.
Own Art Like This
Luxury wall art with the same mood and energy. Gallery-quality canvas, no museum crowds.
Browse Collection