Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

What is Sculpture: The Elgin Marbles

15/09/15

The Elgin marbles, also known as the Parthenon marbles, are a collection of classical Greek statues that were originally part of the temple of the Parthenon and other buildings on the Acropolis of Athens.

The Acropolis of Athens: An ancient Citadel located on a high rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

The Parthenon: A former temple located on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.

The Elgin Marbles are what we consider 'traditional' sculpture, although they didn't look how they do now when they were first made. Originally brightly painted, however, they were cleaned to the standard we see them today. 

The marbles are most famous because of the dispute about them. The marbles were taken out of the Parthenon, as well as other buildings that stand in the Acropolis of Athens, and were sailed over sea to Britain, where they have remained since, on exhibition in numerous different museums, however, the dispute was brought up because they are the property of Greece, and some considered it looting. 

Throughout the years, the marbles have suffered extensive damage, however, attempts to fix them had been made over the years.