word of the week: GROTESQUE
2011 January 25
GROTESQUE: a sculpture of a creature characterized by fantastically combining incongruous human, animal, and foliate forms (also sometimes called an antic). The word grotesque is also used as an adjective denoting a decorative style distinguished by such outlandish forms.
A grotesque should not be confused with a gargoyle — which is definitively a water spout in grotesque form. So while gargoyles are grotesques, a grotesque is not always a gargoyle.
There is a limitless variety of grotesques in the world. Here are two examples of grotesques in Logan Square: one found on a home on Francisco Avenue and the other at 2656 W. Logan Blvd.
Grotesque at 2656 W. Logan Blvd.
Francisco Ave. Grotesque
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Actually, Logan Sq. has a number of great Grotesques all around — I will make note if you wish & send you the locations — mm
There are some interesting grotesques all across the city! I’d love everyone to share some of their favorites!
Great Word! I love when commonly used words are provided a thorough and thoughtful meaning.
You can see the Grotesques n my building at 728 W. Jackson at the building website I put up:
http://haberdashersquarelofts.com/
There is a great photo on the right side of the page about halfway down.
I also wrote a small article on my blog:
http://haberdashersquarelofts.com/2010/04/18/haberdashers-gargoyles/
This is great Christine – thanks for sharing!