Frieze Frame: How Poets, Painters, and their Friends Framed the Debate Around Elgin and the Marbles of the Parthenon

by A. E. Stallings

Genres: History, Museums, Art

235 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2025

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, brisk but highy informative and entertaining chapters. Impressive mix of erudition and wit, as in this brief comment regarding a new acquisition-cum-theft that manages to expose simultaneously Elgin's chronic rapaciousness and modest restraint:

"The fact that Elgin demurs a little at the Caryatid indicates, I think, that even Elgin realized taking a supporting column might be crossing a line. As if Lusieri is down at the supermarket and might forget milk, Elgin adds, 'Do not forget some capitals on the Acropolis.'"

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent collection of essays about the Parthenon Marbles, which I have seen three times now and marvel at.

I kept thinking we knew everything there was to know about them, and then Stallings would introduce another literary connection or point of debate about the Marbles. I definitely learned a lot reading this!

[Clara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A curious, wonderful book that traces the history of the marble statues taken from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin at the beginning of the 19th century through the eyes of poets. It makes a compelling case for returning the marbles from the British Museum to Greece.

[Sophia L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

[Richard Seltzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the perfect setting -- on the rooftop/porch of an apartment in Athens, with the Acropolis clearly visible a few blocs away.

I recommend that you do like wise.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely little mini-essays on how poets, painters, and politicians responded to the Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum. Full of wit and observation. I really enjoyed these.

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of overly pompous language, but I did learn quite a lot of interesting things and some of he poetry was very touching.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fascinating! An interesting angle on/approach to the subject. I thought it might be too dense for me, but not at all; it's very readable and enjoyable, scholarly but not heavy. It's broken up into short chapters, which adds a nice variety. I learned a lot!