The metopes of the Parthenon are sculptured blocks which were inserted in the spaces, _met[)o]pæ_, left between the ends of the beams of the roof. These ends were represented by slabs, called _triglyphs_, from the three parallel vertical bands cut in them. Reference to the model of the Parthenon will show the relative position of the metopes and triglyphs. The Parthenon had originally ninety-two metopes, thirty-two of which were on each of the long sides, and fourteen at each end. Many of these are now only preserved in the drawings by Carrey, having been destroyed in the great explosion. Unfortunately, however, Carrey was only able to sketch the metopes of the south side. Forty-one metopes still remain on the temple, but are for the most part so decayed through time and weather that there is great difficulty in making out their subject. The British Museum possesses fifteen original metopes brought from Athens by Lord Elgin. His contemporary, Choiseul-Gouffier, while ambassador at Constantinople, obtained one more (No. 313), which is now in the Louvre. These sixteen metopes are all from the south side of the Parthenon, and their subjects were taken from the contest between the Centaurs and Lapiths at the marriage-feast of Peirithoös. The first metope on the south side of the Parthenon, reckoning from the south-west angle, is still in position on the temple (Michaelis, pl. 3, 1); the second on the temple is the first of the series of fifteen in the Museum. The sculpture of the metopes is in the highest relief attainable in marble, large portions of some of the figures being carved in the round so as to stand out quite free of the background. There is a remarkable inequality of style in the sculpture. Thus, for example, Nos. 319, 320 show traces of archaic feeling, and while No. 309 appears to be the work of an indifferent artist, Nos. 310, 316, 317 are admirable. [Sidenote: =305.=] The Lapith kneels on the back of the Centaur, clasping his head with his left arm, and pressing the fingers of his left hand against his windpipe. The Centaur has been thrown on his right knee; his head is forced back, his mouth wide open as if uttering a cry of agony. His left hand vainly endeavours to dislodge the grasp on his throat, the right hand appears behind the right shoulder of the Lapith. When drawn by Carrey, the head and right foot of the Lapith and the right foreleg of the Centaur still remained. The head of Lapith may be No. 343, _6_. _Mus. Marbles_, VII., pl. 1; Baumeister, _Denkmaeler_, p. 1175, fig. 1364; Michaelis, pl. 3, ii.; _Stereoscopic_, No. 80, A. [Sidenote: =306.=]