Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: grotesque

A Saxonian settlement had probably existed here since the 6th century, but the town of Blomberg was founded around 1240 by Bernhard III. zur Lippe, the ruling lord of the Principality of Lippe. His grandson Simon I. zur Lippe built a castle as his residency and fortified Blomberg. Blomberg has still a lot of nice half-timbered houses from the 16th and 17th century. The colourful carvings of these houses display the wealthiness of the owners. A grotesque like this one is called "Neidkopf" in German - envy-head.

Saint Martin of Tours was a real surprise to me. The single nave structure was probably erected within the 12th century. It was built in a "walking distance" off the pilgrim routes (like "San Pedro de Echano"), as the hamlet Artaiz is just about 10kms north of the "Camino Aragonés". San Martin will have been for sure a stopover for pilgrims, who had visited the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours, following the "Via Turonensis". The portal of Saint Martin is extraordinary in the specific iconography, that in parts may reflect the relations to the Islamic neighbours (Reconquista). Some of the corbels under the roof are remarkable as well. Many corbels are under the roof of San Martin´s apse. Some of them depict grotesque faces. Here are two old men - grimacing.