It was with some surprise that I read the reunification of parts of one of the greatest works of classic antiquity described as a herald of “cultural cleansing” in a letter (16 February) on the question of the return of the Parthenon sculptures.
The removal of 75 metres of the Parthenon’s frieze, 15 metopes and 17 pedimental figures from Athens represents at best an abuse of power by Lord Elgin, and at worst an act of vandalism and spoliation that far exceeded the bounds of the dubious permission granted to him to “take away some pieces of stone” which were “preserved in rubble” around the Parthenon.
Setting legal questions aside, the Parthenon stands as one of the wonders of ancient antiquity. Crafted by Phidias, commissioned by Pericles, it stood as a celebration of the city of Athens, its democracy, and its goddess Athena. It is one integral work of art, reunifying the remaining parts of which would be an act of extraordinary reverence for and appreciation of our shared human heritage.
Alf Dubs
Labour, House of Lords
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