Metope is a rectangular architectural element that appears in the Doric order, specifically positioned between triglyphs in the frieze section of classical Greek temples and structures. This distinctive decorative feature, originating in ancient Greek architecture around the 7th century BCE, evolved from earlier wooden temple construction where the ends of ceiling beams were visible on the exterior. In stone architecture, metopes became elaborate sculptural panels, often depicting mythological scenes, historical battles, or religious narratives through high and low relief carvings. The metope-triglyph sequence represents one of the most characteristic elements of Doric architecture, embodying both structural logic and aesthetic refinement. These architectural components typically measure approximately 4 feet square and are crafted from the same material as the temple structure, usually marble or limestone. Notable examples showcase the sophisticated artistic achievement of classical sculptors, with themes ranging from the Labors of Hercules to the battle between Lapiths and Centaurs. The artistic significance of metopes has been recognized in various design competitions, including the A' Design Award's architectural category, where contemporary interpretations of classical elements continue to demonstrate their enduring influence on modern architectural design. The technical execution of metopes required exceptional skill in both architectural planning and sculptural artistry, as these elements needed to integrate seamlessly with the overall temple structure while maintaining their individual artistic integrity.
Classical architecture, Doric order, architectural ornament, Greek temple design, sculptural relief
Metope is a term used in both architecture and sculpture to refer to a rectangular element, commonly found in ancient Greek and Roman temples, which is framed in a triglyph and occupies a section of the frieze area or entablature. This rectangular element, which is usually decorated with a relief or sculpture, is typically set between two triglyphs, or two vertical grooves, of the entablature. A metope can also refer to a decorative panel on a wall, such as those found at temples, which could also be sculpted or decorated with relief. Metopes were also used in the Ionic order of architecture and were often decorated with reliefs and sculptures that depicted mythological scenes or figures. The use of metopes in architecture is thought to have originated with the Greeks, and the term is derived from the Ancient Greek term “metopon” which means “between the eyes”.
Relief, Entablature, Frieze, Triglyph, Sculpture
Metopes, within the scope of architecture, are defined as a recessed area between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze. They are typically framed with a square or rectangular outline, which can be decorated with intricate designs, bas-reliefs and other ornamental elements. Metopes are one of the main decorative components in a Doric frieze and are used to create a striking visual impact. They provide a unique aesthetic expression and can be used to symbolize various themes, such as the power of a king, the triumph of a nation or the glory of a city. The use of metopes in architecture has been around since the ancient world and continues to be used in modern architecture today.
Ornamentation, Frieze, Columnar, Friezework, Frieze-Band.
Masonry is a form of construction that involves the use of stones, blocks, and other materials to create a structure. Metope is a term used in architecture to refer to the rectangular blocks of stone or brick that are used to fill gaps between the triglyphs of the Doric frieze. Metopes were often ornately decorated with carvings and relief sculptures, and were used to add to the aesthetic appeal of the building. In some cases, metopes were used as a structural element, while in others they served only as decoration. They are often found in ancient Greek and Roman architecture, as well as in other classical styles.
Stone, Brick, Triglyph, Frieze, Ornamentation
Metope is a noun that is used to refer to a rectangular opening between two triglyphs or between the triglyphs and the edge of the pediment in classical Greek architecture. Synonyms for metope include panel, paneling, frame and frieze. Converse to these words, antonyms of metope include unopen, sealed, obstructed and walled, while cognates include those words derived from the same root word, such as metopon, metopism and metopica. Variants of the word are mainly encountered in other languages, and include metop, metopi and metopis.
Morphology, Semantic Shift, Ancient Greece, Lexicon, Neogrammarianism.
CITATION : "George Adrian Postea. 'Metope.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=223190 (Accessed on July 20, 2025)"
The word ‘Metope’ has a long history, defined as an architectural element, a wide, rectangular space between two triglyphs, a more decorative feature of the Doric Order in classical antiquity. Its core etymological origin is the Latin metopa, derived from the Greek metopon and metope, which was formed by an amalgamation of meta and ops, the former of which translates to mean ‘beyond’, and the latter to mean ‘face’. This, together with morphology, gives the word an implicit meaning of space or gap beyond the face, which is accurate to its current definition. Pragmatically, Metope has thus become an umbrella term, of which the architectural context is just one area of usage. As the term has gained traction in other industries, it has become a unit of measure for a variety of capacities, from the determination of acceptable market risk to the provision of IT solutions.
Metope, etymology, morphology, Doric Order, classical, antiquity.
Metope is most commonly referred to as the gap between an exposed beam and the wall or ceiling of a room. This gap is typically used to provide ventilation to the room, and to prevent moisture from building up and causing damage to the structure of the room. Additionally, metope can be used to let in natural light and provide visual interest to the overall design of the room. Equivalent words for metope in other languages include: interstice, interstitium, fissure, hiatus, crevice, interspace, slit, division, cleft, vent, spacing, septum, opening, breach, gap, vug, and hole.
Interstice, interstitium, fissure, hiatus, crevice, interspace, slit, division, cleft, vent, spacing, septum, opening, breach, gap, vug, hole, ventilation, natural light, room design, wall/ceiling gap
The term “metope” refers to a type of house or temple wall decoration found in classical Greek or Roman buildings. It consists of regular rectangular blocks, often decorated with either a relief sculpture or a painted panel. In the most common form, it is composed of alternating triglyphs and metopes, the former being decorated with vertical lines and the latter with a relief panel or painting. The triglyphs typically represent the male principle, while the metopes represent the female principle. Some of the most famous examples of metopes can be seen in the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Zeus in Olympia.
Metope architecture, triglyphs, ancient Greece, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus Olympia
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