DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.870#0035
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES.
IN the year 1801 the Earl of Elgin, at that time Ambassador at Constantinople, obtained permission
from the Turkish government to remove several relics of ancient Grecian sculpture from the
Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva at Athens.
Some difference of opinion has existed in regard to the propriety of that transaction, but it is
perfectly unnecessary for the Author of this work to enter on a vindication of his lordship's conduct
on that occasion. His lordship may, indeed, with truth exclaim, " non tali auxilio," &c. Every
true friend to the fine arts, who is desirous that his native country should excel in that noble pursuit
of the human mind, will hail the day when Lord Elgin first conceived the intention of transporting
those wondrous relics to happier climes, where they have not only found a refuge from barbarian
hands, but are brought within the view of thousands who are thus enabled to appreciate their
superlative excellence, and who, but for their removal to this country, would never have enjoyed such
an exalted gratification.
The liberality with which his lordship opened his collection to British artists, for the purposes of
'
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLATES.
IN the year 1801 the Earl of Elgin, at that time Ambassador at Constantinople, obtained permission
from the Turkish government to remove several relics of ancient Grecian sculpture from the
Parthenon, or Temple of Minerva at Athens.
Some difference of opinion has existed in regard to the propriety of that transaction, but it is
perfectly unnecessary for the Author of this work to enter on a vindication of his lordship's conduct
on that occasion. His lordship may, indeed, with truth exclaim, " non tali auxilio," &c. Every
true friend to the fine arts, who is desirous that his native country should excel in that noble pursuit
of the human mind, will hail the day when Lord Elgin first conceived the intention of transporting
those wondrous relics to happier climes, where they have not only found a refuge from barbarian
hands, but are brought within the view of thousands who are thus enabled to appreciate their
superlative excellence, and who, but for their removal to this country, would never have enjoyed such
an exalted gratification.
The liberality with which his lordship opened his collection to British artists, for the purposes of
'