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

Consider, for example, the mounting pressure on the British Museum to return the Elgin marbles that once graced the Parthenon.

From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2022

A solution for the Elgin marbles: Robot-carved replicas?

From Washington Post ● Aug. 28, 2022

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

It is the mental power displayed in the Elgin marbles that I wish the juvenile artist to notice.

From The Life, Studies, and Works of Benjamin West, Esq. Composed from Materials Furnished by Himself by Galt, John