grotesque (art)

In art, a style in which a profusion of human figures, imaginary monsters, animals, flowers, and fruit are mingled in a fanciful and eccentric way. It is found particularly in mural and sculptural decoration.

Such decorations were found during excavations of Roman houses at the beginning of the 16th century, notably at the Domus Aurea (Golden House) of Emperor Nero, and the Baths of Emperor Titus. Discovered in underground chambers (grottoes) they became known as grotteschi.

The designs inspired Italian Renaissance artists; Raphael and his followers quickly established grotesque motifs as a facet of their style, particularly in their frescoes. The medallions and panels of the loggia of the Vatican feature grotesque designs by Raphael, carried out by Giulio Romano and Giovanni da Udine. Early examples of grotesque ornament in architecture occur in Pinturicchio's cathedral library ceilings at Siena (1502), and Perugino's ceiling of the Cambio in Perugia (about 1500).