Art has been a part of human existence since the beginning. Starting with cave paintings, humanity slowly made its way toward the Colosseum and Starry Night. Through paintings, mosaics, sculptures, architecture, and even photography, we have been able to appreciate our history, culture, and talent. Art has been used for a number of reasons including propaganda, religious purposes, commemoration of an important event, or simply just storytelling. Without art, one would be unable to learn about virtues from the past along with the brilliance of artists before us. Art has given hope through terrible events, has brought people together, and has in many ways brought social wrongs to light. Art, although in many cases does not include words, says a lot. It speaks volumes about who we are as a culture, a nation, and humans. The beauty we construct is something no other being can create or understand. Through a meticulous choice of colors, patterns, and backgrounds, an artist can produce a piece that moves us to tears, to laughter, or bring about nostalgia.
One of the most popular museums in the world, the Louvre in Paris, France, is known to keep some of the most famous and influential works of art in the world. Two of which are The Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. During World War II, there were threats towards France’s public art collections. In response to this, on August 28, 1939, The Mona Lisa was sent into hiding. Later, on September 3, when war had been declared, it had been decided that other major works of art, including the Winged Victory of Samothrace would be removed as well. Throughout the Louvre, 3,690 paintings were removed. This was a difficult task, as each work of art had to be kept in certain temperatures for it to be preserved. Nazis flooded the Louvre in hopes of stealing and possibly destroying many famous works of art. However, thankfully, they were unable to as they entered an empty building.
In 1943, the Nazis began bombing different areas of Italy, including Milan. These bombs destroyed many churches, hitting Santa Maria delle Grazie. The bomb came eighty feet from destroying the famous mural, The Last Supper. This Da Vinci masterpiece is one of the most well known and influential pieces of art in the world. The wall this mural was placed was the only wall still standing after the bombing. Hoping to preserve the work of art, sandbags were placed to protect it from further damage until the Monuments Men were able to assess and fix the damage. If these works of art had been taken or even severely damaged, there would be no way to replace them. These works of art display the history of once was and reminds us how incredible we as human beings are. Without them, it would have seemed as though a culture was lost, wiped away from our memories.
Today, many terrorist groups have destroyed ancient sites along with art works due to their religious symbolism. Believed to be an idol, many extremist groups believe they should be nonexistent. The Bamiyan Buddhas, created in the 6th-7th century, are located in the Bamiyan valley in Afghanistan. Part of their beauty is the mystery behind who created these sculptures and why. Due to this, thousands of Buddhists and nonBuddhists travel to see the historic site. The larger of the two sculptures is measured to be 175 feet high, carved into a cliff. Both figures were carved so that worshipers were able to circumambulate, which is an act of walking around an object such as a stupa or an image of Buddha, which is very common in Buddhist worship. Due to the fact it is a false idol according to Islamic extremist groups, it was destroyed by Al-Qaeda. In one day, thousands of years was taken away and for many believers their relic was disrespected and destroyed. In response to this act, holograms of the two sculptures are projected so that those are able to continue with their religious practices.
Many archeologists are keeping this method in mind, as other extremest groups such as ISIS are destroying more sites. To do so they are using drones which take pictures of the site, so that 3D images can be portrayed of these sites. Although this isn’t an ideal situation, it’s real and happening. The Hatra in Iraq has already been destroyed, along with other historic places as well. By having these images, it is hopeful archaeologists and scientists will be able to restore, or recreate these sites that could potentially be damaged or destroyed. Mr. Ublemann, an architect who is working on this project, tells the New York Times that Palmyra was especially difficult. He said that as they were in the city, terrorist groups were sending videos of themselves destroying monuments and other relics. It is very difficult to stay ahead of the destruction as the team is unsure of which piece of art will be targeted next.
It is important to understand that these icons of our culture are irreplaceable. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, The Birth of Venus, The Great Wave of Kanagawa, and Las Meninas are works of art that were created in a specific context, one that will never be repeated. As our world goes through this difficult time, we must keep in mind that in the end, we are hurting ourselves. If these works are destroyed, we will be unable to appreciate them and understand what the artist has created. We are taking away a nations pride, a love among all people. Awareness must be spread about this, and precautions need to be made to protect these artifacts. The arts define us, allow us to express ourselves, and this cannot be taken from us.
For more information on this process, you can learn more here: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/31/world/europe/destroyed-by-isis-syrias-cultural-sites-rise-again-in-france.html?ref=world
other sources-
http://twistedsifter.com/2013/05/louvre-and-mona-l...
