In architecture, a mascaron ornament is a face, usually human, sometimes frightening or chimeric whose function was originally to frighten away evil spirits so that they would not enter the building. The concept was subsequently adapted to become a purely decorative element. The most recent architectural style to extensively employ mascarons was Beaux Arts.

Mascaron

In architecture, a mascaron ornament is a face, usually human, sometimes frightening or chimeric whose…

The Petit Palais (Small Palace) is a museum in Paris, France. It was built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900 and now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.

Petit Palais

The Petit Palais (Small Palace) is a museum in Paris, France. It was built for the Universal Exhibition…