Metropolitan Museum of Art Set to "Return" Art Objects, Sets Course to Self-Destruction

[stephenMM]

"Here's the problem; most of the world, except for a few select First-World countries, have been part of "societies weakened by poverty, colonialism, war or political instability." Basically, this means emptying of the great museums of the world."

That's just the op's opinion, not fact. MOMA, SFMOMA, etc are full of sculptures, prints and paintings that haven't been stolen or looted. These are contemporary works that, at the most, are usually 300 years old, and were acquired through normal acquisitions. These works make up the majority of the museum's best works.

Now if we're talking historical works, which by definition are NOT the museum's best works, that's in a different category. And yes, if any of it has been stolen or looted it should go back to the rightful and lawful owners. That's a no brainer, and is nothing new. It is absolutely no different than if you or I bought a work of art (or a lawnmower, a car, etc) that turned out to be stolen, it would have to be returned to it's rightful owner.

[jbgusa]

Originally Posted by stephenMM

"Here's the problem; most of the world, except for a few select First-World countries, have been part of "societies weakened by poverty, colonialism, war or political instability." Basically, this means emptying of the great museums of the world."

That's just the op's opinion, not fact. MOMA, SFMOMA, etc are full of sculptures, prints and paintings that haven't been stolen or looted. These are contemporary works that, at the most, are usually 300 years old, and were acquired through normal acquisitions. These works make up the majority of the museum's best works.

Now if we're talking historical works, which by definition are NOT the museum's best works, that's in a different category. And yes, if any of it has been stolen or looted it should go back to the rightful and lawful owners. That's a no brainer, and is nothing new. It is absolutely no different than if you or I bought a work of art (or a lawnmower, a car, etc) that turned out to be stolen, it would have to be returned to it's rightful owner.

Why must the West fall on its sword to assuage the self-importance or guilt of others. Does anyone think anyone but the potentates will benefit?

[Lillie767]

Let Palmyra be a lesson for all these "repatriate" whiners. History lost forever - for everyone. And a brave man was tortured and beheaded by the locals whilst trying to preserve these treasures for the world.

"During the Syrian Civil War—which began in 2011—the so-called Islamic State, or ISIS, took control of the region surrounding Palmyra and declared it part of a caliphate, or state under Islamic rule.

In 2015, media reports suggested that ISIS militants had destroyed several important statues at Palmyra, including the Lion of Al-lāt, which decorated the entrance of a temple of same name that had been built in the first century A.D. A few months later, they reportedly destroyed the remains of the Temple of Baalshamin, before tearing down the ruins of the inner chamber of the Temple of Bel, though the building’s outer walls and entrance arch remain standing.

In addition to destroying the remains of multiple tombs, ISIS also tore down parts of the Tetrapylon as well as the city’s ancient theater.

https://www.history.com/topics/ancie...e-east/palmyra



Noted Syrian historian Khaled al-Asaad, an unofficial caretaker for the site, was interrogated by ISIS militants for more than a month but refused to tell them where its main treasures were located. They beheaded him and hung his mutilated body on a column in the city’s main square."

[jbgusa]

Originally Posted by Lillie767

Noted Syrian historian Khaled al-Asaad, an unofficial caretaker for the site, was interrogated by ISIS militants for more than a month but refused to tell them where its main treasures were located. They beheaded him and hung his mutilated body on a column in the city’s main square."

Great people our conscience-stricken museum boards are helping. </sarcasm>

[jetgraphics]

Shucks, why not just digitize all the artwork into 3D holograms and operate out of the cloud. Stream works of art.

[jbgusa]

Now, the museum suicide has gone national (link). I am personally in mourning; the Museum of Natural History is closing to exhibits I grew up with, the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains exhibit. Can whatever brainchild came up with these regulations fine me a significant number of offended Native Americans?