metope

1 9.9

A rectangular stone panel between two vertical bands above columns, often carved with scenes

noun
/ˈmɛtəˌpi/

Specialized

: metopa

Each metope between the triglyphs showcased a different figure from Greek lore.

Examples

The ancient temple featured a series of beautifully carved metopes that illustrated scenes from mythology.
But a Doric freeze with triglyphs and metopes, you'd never see that in Rome itself.
Four metopes on the north side and four on the south depict Theseus.

Academic text (1999)
Restorers carefully examined the metopes to determine how to preserve the intricate relief sculptures.

How Decorated

relief

Specialized

13 7.3

metope

Specialized

1 9.9

Surface Forms

metope singular

metopes plural

Etymology

Metope comes from the old Greek metōpon, which meant 'forehead' or the space 'between the eyes'. So a metope is like a building's 'forehead' — a flat panel set between the vertical blocks above the columns where sculptors put decoration.