An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 457. One of the carved Metopes of the Parthenon, representing the War of the Centaurs and the Lapithæ.

Metope, Arch. (μετ-όπη, i. e. the space between the ὀπαί). A kind of panel between the triglyphs in the Doric frieze (Fig. [458]); in some Greek examples quite plain, in others ornamented with sculpture. The metopes of the Parthenon in the British Museum are carved with representations of the war of the Centaurs and Lapithæ. (Fig. [457].) (See Elgin Marbles.) In Roman buildings the metopes are usually carved, and are exact squares; but in the Greek Doric this was not necessary.

Fig. 458. Metopes and Triglyphs (Doric).

Metreta, Gr. (μετρητὴς, i. e. measurer). The unit in the Greek measures of capacity; it held two cotylæ, or about eight gallons.

Meurtrière, O. E. “A black knot, that unties and ties the curles of the hair.” (Ladies’ Dict., 1694.)

Mews, O. E. Originally a courtyard for “mewing” (i. e. moulting) hawks.

Fig. 458 a. Mexican temple—Teocalli.