#grotesques

While both are similar in there own right, there is a distinct difference between what a gargoyle is and what a grotesque is. I adore both in architecture, I dislike when people are ill-informed about which is which. To start simply, I will explain their differences with photo examples. Starting with what a Gargoyle is. ╔═════════════════════════╗

𝙶𝚊𝚛𝚐𝚘𝚢𝚕𝚎𝚜. - The word Gargoyle was actually made from the Old French word 'gargouille', which means 'throat' and the Greek word 'gargarizein' which means 'to gargle'. It could also have been the Latin word 'gargarizare' which means the same, 'to gargle.' - They date back to ancient Roman and Egyptian architecture. However, they are more notable associated with 1200-1500 Gothic architecture instead. They are spotted across Europe. Notably in France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. - Gargoyles were used for divert water. They were basically fancy rainspouts. This was to avoid erosion and structural damage to things like cathedrals, or other sacred buildings such as churches. They are typically found on the roof of the structure. - Not only were Gargoyles used to avoid structural damages, but they were places on sacred buildings due to folklore. Commonly taking the appearance of winged humanoids or monsters, they are perched atop the rooves of sacred buildings to ward off malevolent spirits and demons alike. Hence why they come off menacing. - On top of this, they were often portrayed as monstrous with the purpose of conveying sins and temptation from biblical scripts. Serving as a visual warning to those who give into such things. ╚══════════════════════════════╝

╔═════════════════════════╗ 𝙶𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎𝚜𝚚𝚞𝚎.

- The word “grotesque” comes from the Italian word grottesca, which originates from grotte meaning “caves.” This term was used during the Renaissance after strange, decorative figures were discovered in buried Roman ruins that resembled cave-like spaces. - They date back to ancient Roman decorative art, but became especially popular during the Gothic period (1200–1500), often appearing alongside gargoyles across Europe—particularly in France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. - Unlike gargoyles, grotesques do not serve a functional purpose. They are purely ornamental, meaning they do not act as waterspouts or help with drainage. Their role is entirely decorative. Grotesques are commonly carved into exaggerated, fantastical, or distorted forms—often depicting monsters, animals, or hybrid creatures. They can be found on the sides of buildings, columns, or interiors, not just rooftops. - Similar to gargoyles, grotesques were often believed to ward off evil spirits. Their frightening or bizarre appearances were thought to scare away malevolent forces from sacred spaces like churches and cathedrals. - They also carried symbolic meaning, frequently representing human vices, sins, or moral warnings. Their distorted and unnatural forms served as reminders of temptation, corruption, and the consequences of straying from religious teachings.

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various guys

from the margins of a manuscript edition of jean de wavrin's anciennes chroniques d'angleterre, flanders, c. 1470-90

The art of the gargoyle is a fascinating one- I have a coffee table book on Gargoyles and always wished I could have a house with them. This little guy is an example of Medieval humor in Abbey of Sainte Foy, France c.1050.

notre denver. december 2023, 2025

Today I visited Heckington church in Lincolnshire, which is adorned inside and out with amazing sculptures. The outside is strewn with protective grotesques, which if in Somerset would be called hunky punks, but in the East Midlands, they are known as babewyns.

Here's a few of them I managed to get close enough to to photograph.

The church is said to be largely untouched since the middle ages, but that didn't prevent the puritans from smashing things about a bit, as seen by yet another collection of glass fragments: