THE GROTESQUE IN THE MODERN PICTURESQUE. 1009 
No. 11.—THE GROTESQUE IN MODERN DEVELOP- 
MENTS OF THE PICTURESQUE. 
. 
By Howarp JoOSELAND. 
(Read Wednesday, 12 January, 1898.) 
[ Abstract. | 
Tne subject of my paper I have gladly taken up, for the reason 
that I foresaw, at the commencement of what may be called a 
new era of Australian Domestic Architecture, that there would 
be a tendency to run riot in this fresh development. 
I have said Domestic Architecture, because, firstly, it is in 
this branch of our profession that there has been the most marked 
change ; and, secondly, because time would not allow of my 
touching the more important works ; and the principle underlying 
my argument applies really to all architecture. 
The grotesque has at all periods been more or less associated 
with our art. 
The attempts of the earliest builders were rude or grotesque 
in conception in comparison to those of later times. Then came 
the grotesque of the early civilised times, brought about partly 
by the religious beliefs and superstitions of the nations. Next, 
from the dawn of the Renaissance, can we trace a grotesque of 
another kind—a grotesque of “ unrest’ and confusion of styles ; 
and narrowing down the subject to our present day architecture 
of Australasia, in addition to “unrest,” a grotesque brought 
about by a misconception of, or want of adherence to, the first 
principal principles of design. Now, if we apply the only true 
theory—that the highest architecture inv oly es an honest expres- 
sion of the requirements in each individual building,—then at 
once we have a standard by which to try the merits of our work. 
To define more clearly what is meant by “ grotesque” in 
modern picturesque, one must first of all have an understanding 
what constitutes picturesque in Architecture. I take it to be a 
quality ranking a little below that of the majestic, relating to 
something which pleases the eye in its general composition, 
without necessarily inspiring us with admiration on account of 
imposing grandeur. 
To attain this effect, the chief points to be studied are a 
skilful grouping of the various parts, and the suitability of the 
building for the purpose for which it is built ;--and it is in 
unsuccessful attempts to effect this that the most grotesque results 
are produced. 
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