Dedicated scholars

[Jona Lendering]

Sometimes, the dedication of scholars to their subject is truly inspiring. Take those art historians at the beginning of the nineteenth century, who tried - in order to understand statuettes of Venus and Aphroditie - to establish the true nature of female beauty.

I just read that Lord Stanhope (who became famous for his involvement in the Kaspar Hauser affair) was so dedicated to solving this problem, that he visited the Ottoman Empire, spent a fortune buying ancient art, and returned with two Circassian beauties.

[Robert Vermaat]

... and returned with two Circassian beauties.

Groan. Like Columbus with his native indian specimen. :wink: One wonders whatever became of them? The Ottoman beauties, I mean?

[Jona Lendering]

One wonders whatever became of them? The Ottoman beauties, I mean?

Unfortunately, that's not mentioned in the book I am reading: Bahrani, Zeynep, Edhem, Scramble for the Past. A Story of Archaeology in the Ottoman Empire, 1753-1914. A fascinating story, full of adventure, absolutely marvellous.

[Robert Vermaat]

I bet they died of typhoid fever or something akin to 19th century Britain.