What is "metope"

Metope \Met"o*pe\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ?; meta` with, between + ? opening, hole, the hole in the frieze between the beam ends.]

1. (Arch.) The space between two triglyphs of the Doric frieze, which, among the ancients, was often adorned with carved work. See Illust. of Entablature.

2. (Zo["o]l.) The face of a crab.

   Note: In the Parthenon, groups of centaurs and heroes in high relief occupy the metopes.

n. (context architecture English) The architectural element between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze.

Metope may refer to:

• Metope (architecture), the space between two triglyphs of a Doric frieze
• Metope (mythology), a river nymph in Greek mythology
• Metope (producer), electronic music producer Michael Schwanen
• Métopes Op.29, a piano work by Karol Szymanowski

In classical architecture, a metope (μετόπη) is a rectangular architectural element that fills the space between two triglyphs in a Doric frieze, which is a decorative band of alternating triglyphs and metopes above the architrave of a building of the Doric order. Metopes often had painted or sculptural decoration; the most famous example are the 92 metopes of the Parthenon marbles some of which depict the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths. 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 may be carved from 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 the column spacing and arrangement of the Doric frieze in a temple to make the design appear more harmonious.

In Greek mythology, Metope ( Greek: ) was a river nymph, the daughter of the river Ladon. Her waters were near the town of Stymphalus in the Peloponnesus. She married the river god Asopus by whom she had several (either 12 or 20) daughters, including Aegina, Salamis, Sinope, Euboea, Tanagra, Thespia, Thebe, Corcyra, Ismene, and Harpina; and possibly sons, including Pelagon and Ismenus. The question of the exact parentage of these children of Asopus is very vague.

She may or may not be identical to Metope, consort of the river god Sangarius. Some say these were the possible parents of Hecuba.

Metope is also the name of the daughter of King Echetus.

Metope (Michael Schwanen) is an electronic music producer who has produced many singles on Sender Records and Areal Records, of which he is the head. His style is associated with German minimal techno and microhouse. His music features quirky melodies mixed with music influences comparable to that of Ada, who Schwanen is credited with discovering. Metope, however, is known more for his " timbral richness" than for his melody or structure. Metope describes his music as "seeming to long for a transformation of their digital being into flesh, and that by bit reduction they attempt to imitate life".