A Close Look Of The British Museum:Reflecting On The Collection And Display Of British Classical Sculpture From The 17th To 19th Centuries

The idea of collecting as a way to cultivate classical taste initiated in England in the17^th century,when the nobles were keen collectors of Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures.At the same time,they decorated their houses with art works of classical origins in different ways.This is a demonstration of collector's cultural learning and a reflection of early displaying ideas in 17^th and 18^th centuries.Notable examples include the Sculpture Gallery of Earl of Arundel,the Chelsea House of the Duke of Buckingham,and the Whitehall Palace of Charles I.With the disintegration of aristocratic collection system in the 19^th century.The application of aesthetic standards in the British Museum reflected early displaying traditions and a preference for Hellenistic Art.Since the opening of the Elgin Room in1816,the collection of classical sculptures in the museum had been expanded.In the process of constructing new and more galleries,several important artists and museum keepers argued about the methods of lighting,coloring,and displaying.Moreover,the development of sculpture galleries promoted a closer relationship between the British Museum and the Royal Academy of Arts.This paper is a case study of the British Museum.It first traces back to the Arundel Marble,the classical collection of the Duke of Buckingham,and that of Charles I.Then it discusses the exhibitions of the Earl of Prembroke and Lemster,which demonstrate two different displaying ideas,i.e.the arrangement of classical sculptures?1?by chronology and origins and?2?as decorations of architectures,respectively.In addition it explores the debates on‘top lighting and side lighting',‘dark color and light color',as well as‘Chorology and Aesthetics'.Finally,the paper summarizes the visiting and utilization of galleries,and educational significance of the British Museum.