The North West Metopes belong to an ancient Greek time period, specifically 447-438 BC, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of that era. Made from high-quality Pentelic marble, the metopes exhibit superior high-relief sculpting methods that yield realistic figures.
As part of the Doric frieze, these metopes were originally placed on the Parthenon's exterior at the Acropolis. They are a small portion of the 92 full circle metopes, each carved in high relief on both sides and measuring approximately 1.2 meters high by 1.25 meters wide. These particular metopes provide insight into the Parthenon's original facade by presenting Greek mythology's sequential narrative.
Notably, these metopes present the Trojan War, a significant conflict between Troy and Mycenaean Greece. The portrayal of human form in battle scenes offers an impressive realism seldom encountered in previous sculptural traditions. Their recurring use of mythology to express the idealized virtues of ancient Athenian culture forms a significant area of study.
The metopes' conservation condition varies, with some being heavily damaged and others remaining relatively intact. Despite the effects of weather, wars, and looting over centuries, the sculpture's meticulous details in the drapery, armor, and human anatomy can still be observed, indicating the exceptional skills of ancient Greek craftsmen. Varying depths in relief suggest that some sections were potentially reworked later, possibly during the Roman period.
