Iran v. The Louvre

April 4 2011

Image of Iran v. The Louvre

Picture: British Museum

Iran has announced it is severing links with the Louvre over the museum's refusal to lend Persian artefacts to the country.

I wonder if the Louvre's hesitancy has anything to do with the spat between Iran and the British Museum in February 2010 over the loan of the Cyrus Cylinder (above). Then, Iran broke off relations after the BM hesitated on the deal. The loan did go ahead, but when the Cylinder arrived in Iran, a prominent newspaper suggested it should not be returned. Subsequently the Iranians asked for the loan to be extended for another three months, which was agreed.

The Cylinder is now due to stay in Tehran till April 15th. One to watch...


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