French Church Charm: "Grotesque"
Collection: Everyday Connections
Object Category: Religious Items, Charms and Talismans
Object Type: Protection Charms
Country: France
Continent: Europe
Geographic Region: Western Europe
Materials: Plaster
width: 6 in;
height: 9.5 in;
depth: 5 in
Chartres Cathedral in France is known for its sculptural decorations. Most of the sculptural figures, known as grotesques, cluster around the cathedral's arched doors.
Grotesques are not the same as gargoyles. Although gargoyles are often figural sculptures, a true gargoyle is a waterspout.
Both the grotesques and gargoyles were intended to ward off evil spirits and to warn people about hell.
Source:
https://ascholarlyskater.com/2016/04/24/gargoyle-of-the-day-chartres-cathedral-france/
https://study.com/academy/lesson/gargoyles-in-gothic-architecture.html#:~:text=Gargoyles and grotesques also serve,as protectors of holy items.