Of all the gargoyles that we discover on our travels, some have made a real impact on us. These include the gargoyles in the cloister of the marvellous Gothic cathedral of León (Spain).
There are 20 gargoyles (five gargoyles on each wall) around the perimeter of the cloister, spread over the four walls and located on the pilasters and under pinnacles. All the figures are worth seeing and admiring.
Typologies
The predominant typology is demonic. However, one of them could be considered more of an anthropomorph and there are also several animal monsters. In general, the figures are very homogeneous in both style and subject matter.
The anthropomorph has the body of a lion, the wings of a bird, a grooved neck and a human-looking head and face. It has large ears, one of which has a pendant earring, and huge oval eyes.
The animal monsters or hybrids composed of various animal parts are either winged rams or winged quadrupeds resembling lions or sheep, with extraordinary fur carved like large tufts of wool or with striated fur. One of them has a magnificent mane with curls, a large leaf on its neck, as well as a necklace with a shield-like ornament decorated with a vase of flowers, and, with its forelegs, it treads on a small human head with curly hair. The latter and the previous anthropomorphic figure have a style reminiscent of some of the gargoyles in Astorga Cathedral (Spain) in their fur, body or ornamentation. Some of them could also be considered demons, as they have elements typical of this typology (horns, protuberances, small companions or little creatures).
The demons have the wings of birds, the bodies and manes of quadrupeds (especially resembling lions), pronounced and sunken windpipes and grooved necks. The heads are monstrous with protruding, hanging cheeks, mouths and chins, soft and unpleasant in appearance. Many of them have curled ram horns. Most have tufts on their foreheads. Some demons step with their forelegs on small creatures of various shapes (fish mouths, horns, fangs) or human heads, some with their mouths wide open in a mournful gesture, a possible reference to the struggle between good and evil. There is also a gastro-cephalic demon, with the body and head of a lion and the wings of a bird. The human face on the body of this gastro-cephalus resembles a green man, with a round mouth (in the shape of a spout) and a large, helmet-shaped ornament on the head with a diadem, spiral decoration and leaves that reach the neck of the lion, an anthem-like ornament; other decorative motifs (wings, horns, leaves) emerge from the sides of the face. There is also another very original winged demon with quadruped feet and a body covered with feathers or scales. The head is monstrous, with a dragon-like appearance and pointed ears. It carries a snake that entangles itself around tits body and rises up to bite its neck. A very expressive (fierce gesture) and dynamic figure. The image of snakes biting people or animals appears in other gargoyles (Salamanca Cathedral).
These cloister gargoyles are all of astonishing beauty and sculptural quality. Magnificent figures, with exceptional carving, expressive, with great plasticity, and in which the Renaissance touch can also be appreciated. A jewel of Spain’s artistic heritage.
Doctor of Art History and researcher specializing in the study of gargoyles.
I am Dolores Herrero Ferrio, and my thesis, “An Approach to the Study of Gargoyles of Gothic Cathedrals in Castilla and León”, is dedicated to the study of these fascinating figures.
If you like gargoyles and art history, you will also enjoy my book, “The Gargoyle and Its Iconography,” a book I have written with great care for those interested in the world of gargoyles.
I have created my own Encyclopedia of Gargoyles, a Gargopedia to share with you, where you will discover all the secrets and wonders of these enigmatic sculptures.
I hope you enjoy this Gargopedia as much as I have enjoyed creating it, and remember that each gargoyle has a story to tell, and here you will discover them all.
