DOLORES HERRERO
Art Historian, Gargoyle specialist.
Passionate about gargoyles
“Every time I approach a building with gargoyles, I am spellbound. These stony creatures, like silent onlookers, have always fascinated me.
Gargoyles are full of life. They are constantly changing before our gaze and watching us from above over the centuries”.
Dedicated to the research, study and collection of gargoyles.
Traveling, observer, writer, methodical worker, persevering and experienced in field work.Heritage Conservation
“As a historian and, above all, lover of art and our historical heritage, I am concerned about the conservation of gargoyles. Each of our gargoyles is an individual work of art, deserving to be studied and protected”.
Research
“Devoted to research, study and compilation of gargoyles. A traveller, observer, writer, methodical worker, perseverant and experienced in the field. “After having the privilege to see them close up and even touch them, I regard and admire them even more. Every time I see a gargoyle at close quarters, I appreciate every one of its parts, every gesture, every crack, every shape or style. It is as if the stone was talking to me and as if the figure was revealing an age with its methods of creation, thinking and living. In all my travels across Europe, China and the United States, I find new gargoyles to continue enriching my work”.
My blog of gargoyles
Latest articles published on the blog ...Geometric Gargoyles. Geometry as Ornamentation
We probably all love mediaeval gargoyles depictting realistic, fantastic, monstrous or terrifying creatures. However, we shouldn’t dismiss geometric gargoyles; although most of them are contemporary, they too are often interesting in form and style. Today, I’ll be...
Gargoyles and Sculpting. The Language of Stone
Many of us are attracted to and fascinated by gargoyles. Their monstrous, terrifying, beautiful or ugly figures astound and intrigue us. But there’s more to gargoyles than iconography and functionality. There’s something living that changes over time, something...
Women and their Representation in Gargoyles
One of the most fascinating aspects of art, at least for me as an art historian, is the representation of women. There is sufficient material to write several theses about this enthralling subject, but here you have my brief contribution in recognition...
Superb and Sinister Gargoyles with Bat-like Wings: Dante’s Devil
Among the devil’s most fascinating features are his bat-like wings. The association between the bat and the devil comes from the symbolism attributed to this little animal. I have already discussed this in an earlier post on depictions of fantastical beasts in...
Unsettling and Amazing Creatures. The Archetypal Gargoyles at Mirepoix
In today’s post, we’re going back to France, this time to the mediaeval town of Mirepoix in the region of Occitanie, an enchanting, medieval and magical place for visitors. One of its architectural wonders is the Cathedral of St. Maurice, begun in the late 13th...
The Outstandingly Magnificent Iconography of the Cathedral of Valencia Gargoyles
In this first post on gargoyles in the Region of Valencia, we shall be visiting the city of Valencia itself, which is home to some truly amazing examples. Today, I invite you to admire the gargoyles in this beautiful city’s cathedral. The bishop of Valencia,...