Greece and the Elgin Marble

     Countries lose important artistic treasures through sale, defeat in war, or theft. The losing country complains, and the issue easily becomes involved in international politics. Such of the case of German treasures looted by Russia in World War II. The most famous case is that of the Elgin marbles from the Parthenon purchased by British Ambassador Lord Elgin in 1801. The Economist (3/18/00) devotes a long and important article to the case, giving the pros and cons. It quotes John Henry Merryman of Stanford University as a specialist on the case. He does not support the case for a return of the marbles to Greece. However, English political leaders are willing to listen to the Greek claim, and this landmark case may set a precedent. Museums like the Louvre might lose some of their treasures. Italy might argue that the works the Stanfords bought there were improperly exported, and, since many of them have been sold (were there any at last week's auction?), it would take an artistic bloodhound to locate them. Suppose the French government became nasty and demanded the return of its famous collection of Rodin sculptures? I imagine director Thomas Seligman is wondering about these matters. So are museum and art gallery directors all around the world.

Ronald Hilton - 3/27/00