The main difference between gargoyles and grotesques is that gargoyles contain a water sprout through the mouth, whereas grotesques do not.
In architecture, gargoyles and grotesques are mythical and fantastical figures used for decorative purposes. These are carved figures with the head of a strange and ugly creature; you can find them in many old churches. For example, Notre Dame Cathedral has a collection of both gargoyles and grotesques.
Key Terms Covered
1. What are Gargoyles
– Definition, Features, Purpose
2. What are Grotesques
– Definition, Features, Purpose
3. What is the Difference Between Gargoyles and Grotesques
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Chimaera, Gargoyles, Grotesques
What are Gargoyles
Gargoyles are carved stone grotesques with spouts that convey water from a roof. In other words, a gargoyle is a carved figure, usually containing the head of a strange and ugly creature with a water sprout through the mouth. Gargoyles are usually elongated animal heads since the length of the head decides how far water is thrown from the wall. Moreover, the term gargoyle comes from French gargouille, meaning “throat” or “gullet”.
Gargoyles are usually made from graphite and are found in old churches and Gothic-style buildings. In the past, people used gargoyles for many purposes. They were believed to provide protection from evil, harmful, or unwanted spirits. In addition, grotesques also served as decorations. However, the main purpose of gargoyles was to drain rainwater that may damage a building.
What are Grotesques
The word grotesque comes from the Latin grotto, which means a small cave, or hollow. As an adjective, it means ugly, unpleasant, fantastic, or disgusting. We often use this word to describe distorted shapes and forms. In architecture, grotesques are stone carvings you can observe in old churches or old-styled buildings.
Furthermore, grotesques are mythical or fantastical creatures; some of these carvings include demon figures, dragons and hybrids of humans and animals. Chimaera is another name for grotesques. Like gargoyles, they were used for protection as well as for decorative purposes.
Some Famous Gargoyles and Grotesques
- Gargoyles and grotesques of Notre Dame
- Gargoyles of Cologne Cathedral
- Dragon-headed gargoyles from Estonia
- Stonemason gargoyle on the Bern Minster Cathedral
- Il Boccalone in the Florence Cathedral (Human head with a screaming expression)
Difference Between Gargoyles and Grotesques
Definition
Gargoyles are decorative stone carvings on old buildings, usually with a shape like the heads of strange and ugly creatures, whereas grotesques are spouts in the form of grotesque human or animal figures projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building.
Water Spout
The main difference between gargoyles and grotesques is that gargoyles contain a water sprout through the mouth, whereas grotesques do not.
Purpose
Gargoyles help to drain rainwater and provide protection against evil spirits whereas grotesques mainly serve as protective and decorative items.
Conclusion
Basically, grotesques are decorative stone carvings on old buildings, usually the heads of strange and ugly creatures, whereas gargoyles are spouts in the form of grotesque human or animal figures projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building. Thus, the main difference between gargoyles and grotesques is that gargoyles contain a water sprout through the mouth, whereas grotesques do not.
Reference:
1. “Gargoyles and Grotesques.” Crystalinks, Available here.
2. “Fascinating Gargoyles and Grotesques around the World.” The Vintage News, 21 June 2017, Available here.
3. “Grotesque (Architecture).” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 8 Sept. 2019, Available here.
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