Russell Guerrero

210-999-8406

rguerrer@trinity.edu

Sharing or Stealing Art? Historian to Discuss Lord Elgin and the Parthenon

Sept. 10, 2002 – When Thomas Bruce, the seventh Earl of Elgin, saw the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, he made a decision that would stir up controversy which continues to this day.  He had many of the sculpted marble statutes and reliefs removed from the classical Greek building and sent to London. His purpose was to enlighten early 19th century Europe on the beauty of the Greek treasure. However, in his zealousness to share, he ultimately pillaged the Parthenon, causing further damage to the site. Michael Hoff, associate professor of art history from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, will shed more light on this event in a lecture titled “Lord Elgin and the Parthenon Marbles: Two Hundred Years of Controversy” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8, in the Chapman Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.   During his presentation, Professor Hoff will detail the life and troubled career of Lord Elgin, who at the time was the English ambassador to the Ottoman court. Professor Hoff will also explore how Lord Elgin’s actions have spurred controversy over legal ownership of the marbles and the current discussions between the Greek government and the British Museum to reach an agreement over the ownership. This event is sponsored by Trinity’s department of art and art history and the Southwest Texas Archeological Society.

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Last updated on September 27, 2002 by the Office of Public Relations