Metope

In classical architecture, a metope (/ˈmɛtəpi/; Ancient Greek: μετόπη) is a rectangular architectural element that fills the space between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze,^[1] which is a decorative band of alternating triglyphs and metopes above the architrave of a building of the Doric order. Metopes often had painted or sculptural decoration;^[1] the most famous example are the 92 metopes of the Parthenon, some of which depict the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths. The painting on most metopes has been lost, but sufficient traces remain to allow a close idea of their original appearance.

In terms of structure, metopes may be carved from a single block with a triglyph (or triglyphs), or they may be cut separately and slide into slots in the triglyph blocks as at the Temple of Aphaea. Sometimes the metopes and friezes were cut from different stone, so as to provide color contrast. Although they tend to be close to square in shape, some metopes are noticeably larger in height or in width. They may also vary in width within a single structure to allow for corner contraction, an adjustment of the column spacing and arrangement of the Doric frieze in a temple to make the design appear more harmonious.

Ancient architecture

The triglyph frieze is part of the Doric order, found in ancient Greece in the 7th century BC, and was mainly used in temple architecture. But even later, the Doric order and with it the metopes were used as a structuring and decorative principle of order in Greek architecture. In the early days, the metopes were open and could contain vases or sacrificial skulls. Later, the free spaces were closed with panels made of different materials. These plates could be painted or provided with reliefs.^[2]

Gallery

Triglyphs and metopes from the Temple C (Selinus) at Selinus, c. 560 BC, in the Antonino Salinas Regional Archeological Museum (Palermo, Italy)
A metope (L) and triglyph (R) cut from one block from Stratos
Triglyph blocks with slots for the insertion of metopes in the Marmaria at Delphi
Metopes made from marble slotted into the frieze of the Stoa at Brauron
Section of metope frieze from a temple near Paestum, c. 510 BC
Metopes with sculptural decoration in the Doric frieze of the Treasury of the Athenians at Delphi
Frieze of the Temple of Aphaea with triglyphs slotted for metopes
The entablature of the Hephaisteion (temple of Hephaistos) in Athens, showing Doric frieze with sculpted metopes
Metope on a façade of the Château de Maisons-Laffitte from France, an example of French Baroque architecture, by François Mansart
Another metope of the Château de Maisons-Laffitte
Doric frieze of the Hôtel de Beauvais from Paris
Early 20th-century Americanized metopes, using bison in place of cow skulls (bucranium)

References

^ ^a ^b Mish, Frederick C., ed. (1990) [1983]. Websters Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary – Metope (Collector's ed.). Norwalk, Connecticut: The Easton Press with the permission of Merriam-Webster Incorporated. p. 748.
^ "Metope". Der Neue Pauly. doi:10.1163/1574-9347_dnp_e802840. Retrieved 26 March 2022.