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

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

On Thursday, the House of Lords was debating legislation that prevents some nationally funded museums, such as the British Museum that houses the Elgin marbles, from returning objects to their countries of origin.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 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

As did, at the Court of Philip, Velasquez, whose Infantas, clad in in�sthetic hoops, are, as works of Art, of the same quality as the Elgin marbles.

From The Gentle Art of Making Enemies by Whistler, James McNeill