Painted Terracotta Metopes from the Temple of Apollo (Temple С) in Thermos (Iconographic and Iconological Aspects)

The purpose of this article is to analyze the basic interpretations of images on painted terracotta metopes discovered in the Temple of Apollo (Temple С) in Thermos (Aetolia). Research methods. In the process of writing the article, an integrated approach was used, which includes traditional general scientific (analytical, historiographical, historical and cultural, systematic and comparative) and special (iconographic, iconological, stylistic, and compositional analysis) methods. An integrated research approach makes it possible to determine the main iconographic, iconological, stylistic and technological features of terracotta painted metopes of the last third of the 7th century BC, as well as to characterize the general development of archaic painting in Ancient Greece and the picture-perfect decoration of the first temples in more detail. Results of the study. The analysis performed shows that the metopes were decorated with various mythological scenes, in which the main characters are not repeated and, as a rule, are not connected in the spirit. These are one-, two- and three-figure compositions, the interpretations of which are both unconditional due to iconography and inscriptions marking the main characters, and speculative ones. Some scenes may reproduce myths associated with Aetolia. Likewise, there is a connection with the rituals of transition to adulthood, the imposition of divine justice on human pride, the reproduction of the destructive power of demons, the ability to atonement, etc. Stylistically, the metopes testify to a connection with the repertoire common in the art of Corinth, Argos, Eastern Peloponnese. Conclusions. In accordance with the analyzed scientific research of Western scholars, it is proven that the interpretation of images on metopes is closely related to the discussion about the attribution of the temple and its titular deity. The results obtained contribute to the further study of the iconography and iconology of ancient Greek mythological characters, specifically the analysis of the sources of their origin.