Are gargoyles grotesques?
Basically, grotesques are decorative stone carvings on old buildings, usually the heads of strange and ugly creatures, whereas gargoyles are spouts in the form of grotesque human or animal figures projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building.
What country is known for gargoyles?
“Gargoyles” have been used as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as decorative water spouts designed to shift rainfall away from buildings and fancifully down to ground.
What do grotesques represent?
By placing grotesques—representing evil—on the exterior, and religious imagery—representing good—in the interior, they conveyed that if one believed, they would be protected from destructive forces.
Why do Catholic churches have gargoyles?
The Catholic Church’s primary use of the gargoyle was to illustrate evil. The church wanted to convey a realistic image of the possibility of a damned afterlife. The Gothic idea was one of pain and suffering and the buildings loomed over the citizens in a romantically dramatic cloud.
What are gargoyles mythology?
Protectors or Monsters? Despite their frightening appearance, Gargoyles are guardians who are known to protect buildings from evil spirits, and do no harm to humans. Due to this, churches, which were considered holy places, often had these creatures on the roof to ward off the devil and demons.
Why do buildings have grotesques?
Both gargoyles and grotesques have been attributed with the power to ward off evil spirits, guarding the buildings they occupy and protecting those inside. Photographed in 1992 by Bob Skingle of the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England. AA92/02757.
What other name are gargoyles known as?
When not constructed as a waterspout and only serving an ornamental or artistic function, the technical term for such a sculpture is a grotesque, chimera, or boss.
What is the spiritual meaning of gargoyles?
Many considered gargoyles the spiritual protectors of churches as well, scaring off demons and evil spirits. Some historians believe gargoyles were inspired from pagan eras and were used to make churches feel more familiar to new Christians.
Are gargoyles Victorian?
Gargoyles and grotesques were a hallmark of the Gothic period of architecture, which grew popular in Western Europe from the 12th to the late 15th centuries, and which was carried over well into the 20th century during the age of Gothic Revival marked by fascination with the Middle Ages.
Are gargoyles biblical?
Some historians believe gargoyles were inspired from pagan eras and were used to make churches feel more familiar to new Christians. Others said gargoyles were morality lessons in stone, reminding people that while purity and good may be found inside the church, sin and evil are never far away.
Where can I find gargoyles and grotesques around the world?
Below you will find a collection of gargoyles and grotesques around the world. You can find many more examples on Flickr and Wikimedia Commons. 1. Oakland Cemetery – Atlanta, Georgia 2. San Juan de los Reyes Monastery – Toledo, Spain 3. Natural History Museum – London, England 4. Notre Dame Cathedral – Paris, France 5.
What are the gargoyles of Notre Dame like?
The gargoyles and grotesques of Notre Dame, of which there are hundreds, are particularly stunning, and they have been keeping rainwater and evil spirits away from the church since the 13th century. Some of them look positively ferocious, while others are elegant, and some even look a bit bored.
What is an example of a gargoyle?
The most famous examples of gargoyles are those on the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. They were in use until the 16th century, when drain pipes were installed in the building. Today, these magnificent statues are just ornamental.
When did gargoyles become popular in architecture?
The use of gargoyles as decorative and functional architectural motifs continued into the 16th century and appeared not only on ecclesiastical buildings but also on homes and secular buildings throughout Europe. 1. Yenne, Bill. Gothic Gargoyles.