Elgin marbles

American  

[el-gin, -jin] / ˈɛl gɪn, -dʒɪn /

plural noun

1. a group of Greek sculptures of the 5th century b.c., originally on the Parthenon in Athens, and supposedly sculptured under the direction of Phidias: presently in the British Museum in London.

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Elgin marbles British  

plural noun

1. a group of 5th-century _bc Greek sculptures originally decorating the Parthenon in Athens, brought to England by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), and now at the British Museum

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Etymology

Origin of Elgin marbles

After Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1766–1841), who arranged for their removal from Athens

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Elgin marbles

At the party, Keats heard about the Elgin marbles, thee ancient Greek sculptures from the Parthenon that had recently been brought to England, which became one of his poetic inspirations.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 13, 2019

In the nineteen-thirties, restorers at the British Museum polished the Elgin marbles, the most treasured sculptures from the Acropolis, until they were as white and shiny as pearls.

From The New Yorker ● Oct. 22, 2018

Anecdotes from a long TV career were mixed with a discussion about the Elgin marbles, which he wanted to see returned to Greece.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 23, 2017

This exhibition features some of the Elgin marbles and other items from its collection and from around the world.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2015

I saw the Elgin marbles to-day; to-morrow I am to go to the Museum to look over the prints: that will be a great treat.

From The Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume II (of 2) by Marshall, Florence A. Thomas