or Grotesk, in sculpture and painting, something whimsical, extravagant, and monstrous; consisting either of things that are merely imaginary, and have no existence in nature; or of things so distorted, as to raise surprise and ridicule. The name arises hence, that figures of this kind were anciently much used to adorn the grottos wherein the tombs of eminent persons or families were inclosed. Such was that of Ovid, whose grotto was discovered near Rome about one hundred years ago.