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

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

By coincidence, one of the story's central characters is Lord Elgin - son of the man who removed the so-called "Elgin marbles" from Greece.

From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2015

I know nothing like it, save the easy posture of those immortal youths who ride forever in the procession of the Elgin marbles in the British Museum.

From Across the Continent by the Lincoln Highway by Effie Price Gladding