Sunday, March 7, 2010

On chauvinism

British art experts bemoan the "loss" of famous paintings to foreign purchasers. It seems that the government came up with £100,000,000 to purchase two Titian paintings, which leaves a bit strapped when they try to compete with private purchasers for other works.

It's a strange complaint, coming out of the country that still holds the Elgin Marbles, removed from Athens 200 years ago, and still commonly referred to by the name of the Brit who removed them. Do you believe in world heritage or don't you?

Via Global Museum

1 comment:

James Hanley said...

For a society that perfected irony, the Brits often have a stunning lack of self-awareness.