Mascaron (architecture)

A grotesque mask (French grimace face) or grimace head ( grimace ) is designed as a semi- plastic decorations on buildings, interior and exterior, and, in smaller form, to furniture, vessels and weapons. The grotesque mask represents the grotesque or frightening inspiring designed, human-like face of a mythical creature or a deity dar. Unlike the envy head, which has its origin in the belief in magic, and the gargoyle is the discharging rainwater Maskaron has purely decorative function.

The gargoyle is known as caricaturing the form of a screen display since ancient times. In contrast to mask the grotesque mask is firmly connected to the object it adorns. It is found as an architectural ornament on keystones of arches, door and window arches, on consoles and as a room decoration. The statement intention varies between jest and allegory. The rigid mask representation is often elements of movement - distorted facial features, open mouth, inflated cheeks - expanded, bringing the fantastic is increased up to surprising shudder. A special form represents the designed as a wall fountain gargoyle, flowing water in a fountain basin from its mouth.

At the time of the " Sun King " Louis XIV grotesque masks were sometimes provided with an aureole. In the 19th century, the gargoyle was rediscovered as a (usually prefabricated ) Facade jewelry for urban residential houses. An oversized gargoyle is located on a cliff in the Giardino Giusti in Verona.