Metopes

Definition

Metope refers to the rectangular panels that are found between the triglyphs on the frieze of a Doric temple. These panels often serve as a decorative element and can feature relief sculptures or painted scenes that depict mythological or historical events, enhancing the visual narrative of the temple’s overall design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Metope panels are integral to Doric temples and usually measure about one-third of the height of the frieze.
2. The metopes can be sculpted or painted, often showcasing scenes from Greek mythology, such as labors of Heracles or battles between gods and giants.
3. In contrast to triglyphs, which are strictly ornamental, metopes allow for greater artistic expression and storytelling within temple architecture.
4. The Parthenon is one of the most famous examples featuring metopes, with its well-preserved panels depicting the battle between Lapiths and Centaurs.
5. The use of metopes can vary across different temples, reflecting regional styles and historical contexts in ancient Greek architecture.

Review Questions

• How do metopes enhance the narrative aspect of Greek temple design?
  • Metope panels enhance the narrative aspect of Greek temple design by serving as a canvas for storytelling through sculptural reliefs or paintings. Each panel can depict significant mythological events, which not only embellish the temple's appearance but also communicate cultural values and beliefs to worshippers and visitors. This visual storytelling reinforces the temple's purpose as a sacred space while linking it to the broader tapestry of Greek mythology.
• Compare and contrast metopes with triglyphs in terms of their function and design within Doric architecture.
  • Metope and triglyph serve distinct yet complementary functions within Doric architecture. Triglyphs act as a regular rhythmic feature characterized by their three vertical grooves, creating a sense of structure and stability. In contrast, metopes are flexible spaces that allow for artistic expression and can feature various scenes that enrich the narrative context of the building. While triglyphs emphasize symmetry and order, metopes provide opportunities for dynamic storytelling through decoration.
• Evaluate the significance of metopes in reflecting the cultural values of ancient Greece, particularly in relation to their iconography.
  • The significance of metopes lies in their ability to reflect the cultural values of ancient Greece through their iconography. The subjects depicted on metopes often highlight themes of heroism, conflict, and divine intervention, showcasing values such as bravery and honor central to Greek identity. By portraying these narratives on prominent structures like temples, metopes not only enhance architectural beauty but also reinforce societal ideals and collective memory, shaping how communities viewed their myths and heroes.

Related terms

frieze: A horizontal band that runs along the upper part of a wall or building, often decorated with reliefs or inscriptions.

triglyph: A decorative feature in Doric architecture, consisting of three vertical grooves, typically placed at regular intervals in a frieze.

Doric order: The simplest and oldest of the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture, characterized by sturdy columns and a plain capital.