4-486: A metope is the space between two triglyphs of a Doric frieze. Metope may also refer to: Metope A metope ( / ˈ m ɛ t ə p i / ; Ancient Greek : μετόπη ) is a rectangular architectural element of the Doric order , filling the space between triglyphs in a frieze , a decorative band above an architrave . In earlier wooden buildings the spaces between triglyphs were first open, and later
8-518: 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
12-518: The column spacing and arrangement of the Doric frieze in a temple to make the design appear more harmonious. Some of the earliest surviving examples are stone metopes from a peripteral temple at Mycenae, ca. late 7th century BC, and painted clay metopes from Thermus, ca. early 6th century BC. The high-point of relief sculpture on metopes is exemplified by the 92 metopes of the Parthenon , metopes of
16-445: The free spaces in between triglyphs were closed with metopes ; however, metopes are not load-bearing part of a building . Earlier metopes are plain, but later metopes were painted or ornamented with reliefs . 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 were made out of clay or stone. A stone metope may be carved from
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