Lost Sculptures explores the compelling stories behind significant sculptures vanished through time, destruction, or theft.
It delves into art history, examining the social and political contexts surrounding these losses, from iconoclasm to wartime looting.
The book emphasizes how the disappearance of these artworks affects our understanding of history and cultural identity, creating voids in our collective memory.
For instance, the book discusses the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan, highlighting the deliberate targeting of cultural heritage.
The book uniquely focuses not only on the sculptures' artistic value but also on the broader implications of their disappearance, such as the psychological impact on communities.
Structured to guide readers through a comprehensive exploration, it begins by introducing key concepts before examining specific examples and culminates in modern challenges like art theft and the illicit antiquities trade.
It unveils how the absence of these sculptures alters art history's trajectory, forcing re-evaluation of established narratives and compelling a deeper appreciation for preservation.
