Gargoyles. Art, history, study and observation.
Here is a bit of the passion I feel for these wonderful works of art.
Studying, researching and observing gargoyles is an essential aspect of my daily work. Therefore, with this section I want to share with you some of these moments of study.
The Striking and Irreverent Gargoyles of La Lonja in Valencia
Today’s post is dedicated to the most surprising and enigmatic set of gargoyles we have ever come across on our travels. I am referring, of course, to the gargoyles of La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) in Valencia (Spain). By itself, this civic building is an...
The Exceptional and Imposing Gargoyles of the Casa de las Conchas in Salamanca
Today’s entry is dedicated to the amazing gargoyles of one of the most beautiful buildings in Salamanca (Spain). We are referring to the magnificent Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells). This building dates from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and was...
The Unique, Haunting Gargoyles of the Palace of Monterrey
The Palace of Monterrey (Salamanca, Spain) is a magnificent building built by the third Count of Monterrey and Viceroy of Naples, Alonso de Acevedo y Zúñiga, in 1539 “in accordance with a design drawn and signed by Father Fray Min. de Santiago and by Ro. Gil”. It is...
Monsters and Marvels: the Gargoyles of Santiago de Compostela
Today we are returning to Galicia to discover some amazing and imaginative gargoyles: the gargoyles of the Royal Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). When the Catholic Monarchs visited Santiago de Compostela in 1486, they realised that the city needed a...
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,...
Gargoyles Looking out to Sea
In this post, I want to look at some unique and exceptional gargoyles. These are unique not solely due to their type or style, but also because of their location. I am referring here to the gargoyles in the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, a jewel of Spanish...
Gargoyles and Masks
From time to time, you come across unusual gargoyles, figures with heads and faces that look different. They’re not common, which just makes them all the more surprising and fascinating. I’m referring here to gargoyles with mask-like faces, or which are holding...
Gargoyles Representing Death. Images of Gargoyles
Death is one of the most fascinating and sublime themes and images in literature and the visual arts. Macabre figures both attract and repel us. Due to its association with certain animals and all that is demonic, ugly and monstrous, death is sometimes...
Mythology and Fascinating Mythical Creatures in Gargoyles
In previous posts, we’ve seen gargoyles representing mythical or fabled animals. These astonishing, tantalising creatures have formed part of our traditions since ancient times. Each and every one of them is associated with a generally fantastical and beguiling...
The Enchanting, Magical Imagery of the Gargoyles at the Monastery of San Martín Pinario in Santiago de Compostela
Our first trip to Galicia took us to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Santiago de Compostela. It rained that day (what would Galicia be without rain!), but we loved it as much as ever because thanks to the rain, we could see the gargoyles spouting...
The Incredible, Unknown Gargoyles of El Burgo de Osma
Today, we’re going to look at some of the most exceptional and astounding gargoyles that I discovered during my work and research for my doctoral thesis. These are the wonderful, “secret” gargoyles in the north aisle of the cathedral in this beautiful...
Surprisingly Unnerving Gargoyles. The Devils in the Lantern Tower at the Cathedral of Burgos
As I always say, when gargoyles are severed from their function as water spouts, they are transformed into pure image. Contemplating them arouses a multiplicity of emotions. They are the expression of beauty or hideousness, but above all, they are art. In...
Unique Artistic Beauty. The Imagery of the Cathedral of Segovia’s Gargoyles
The Cathedral of Segovia was built between the 16th and 18th centuries. According to Pérez Monzón, it’s one of the best surviving examples of 16th century Gothic architecture. In 1520, the cathedral suffered severe damage and plans were made to rebuild it or...
Realism and Fantasy in Gargoyles. Aachen Cathedral
Today we’re going to Aachen, a German city that’s home to one of the most beautiful and extraordinary monuments in the world. We’re going to look at Aachen Cathedral and its magnificent Palatine Chapel, a marvel of history and art. Construction of the chapel...
The Exuberant Beauty of Gargoyle Wings
As we know, most gargoyles, but especially monsters, devils and fantastical animals, commonly exhibit many characteristic features such as tusks, crests and pointed ears. However, today I’m going to look at another unique and important feature that’s probably...
