Thomas Bruce

Scottish nobleman and art collector

Thomas Bruce - Scottish nobleman and art collector
Born

December 2nd, 1599
425 years ago

Died

1663
362 years ago — 64 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Scotland

Links & References

Born in 1599, this Scottish nobleman served as the 1st Earl of Elgin. Active during the 17th century, he was involved in various diplomatic missions and held significant influence in his time. The Earl is best remembered for his acquisition of classical sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens, which he brought to Britain in the early 1800s. These collections would later become a cornerstone of the British Museum's collection, igniting debates over cultural heritage and repatriation.

Acquired the Elgin Marbles from Greece

Served as an ambassador to the Ottoman Empire

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