The National Gallery Australia wants to acquire the first known images of Australia by a European artist but a British temporary export ban is standing in the way.
Like the Parthenon Marbles – nicknamed the Elgin Marbles after they were removed by Lord Elgin and sold to the British Museum – the two paintings are the subject of a dispute over British cultural hegemony. The National Gallery of Australia says the paintings are a significant part of Australia’s heritage and they belong in Australia.The British Reviewing Committee says they were painted by a British artist and should remain in Britain.
