{"id":6029,"date":"2019-11-28T10:33:47","date_gmt":"2019-11-28T09:33:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/?p=6029"},"modified":"2026-07-16T11:03:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T09:03:41","slug":"the-gargoyles-and-its-creator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/the-gargoyles-and-its-creator\/","title":{"rendered":"Gargoyles and Their Creators: The Sculptor and Creative Freedom"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Today we shall explore a subject that differs from our usual approach. Rather than examining <a href=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/types-of-gargoyles\/?lang=en\">typologies<\/a>, characteristics, or <a href=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/symbolism-in-images-of-gargoyles\/?lang=en\">symbolism<\/a>, this entry is devoted exclusively to the maker, the creator\u2014in short, the artist.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The<a href=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/the-gargoyles\/\"> gargoyle <\/a>sculptor.<\/p>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-6029 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-1-3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-1-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Burgos. It is a terrifying and ghostly demon.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-13128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-1-3.jpg 638w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-1-3-480x639.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 638px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-13128'>\n\t\t\t\tBurgos Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-3-3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"638\" height=\"850\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-3-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Burgos. It is a demon with acanthus-leaf wings, double hooves, and a large sphere on its head.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-13130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-3-3.jpg 638w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Catedral-de-Burgos-3-3-480x639.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 638px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-13130'>\n\t\t\t\tBurgos Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\r\n<h2>\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Gargoyle Sculptor and the Creative Process<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although we already know that gargoyle imagery was shaped by the social, moral, and cultural values of its time, these figures\u2014populated by every conceivable type of creature, rich in fascinating detail and extraordinary imagination\u2014can only reflect a state of mind characterised by remarkable creative freedom and even artistic boldness on the part of the sculptor.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">We do not know with certainty the precise criteria followed by medieval gargoyle sculptors when creating these figures. Various scholars have put forward different theories on the subject. Rebold Benton, for example, suggests that sculptors may have used gargoyles as a means of signing and personalising their work, since these sculptures offered an opportunity to create something profoundly individual, beyond the conventions of medieval art and the anonymity imposed by the medieval guild system.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u00a0 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13144 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-2.jpg\" alt=\"gargolas\" width=\"570\" height=\"428\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-2.jpg 570w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-2-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 570px, 100vw\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/demons-and-monsters-in-the-gargoyles-of-the-cloister-of-leon-cathedral\/\">Le\u00f3n Cathedral (Spain)<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Within medieval monumental sculpture, a period during which sculptors began to distinguish themselves and develop a growing awareness of their profession\u2014and when representations of sculptors working with their tools first began to appear\u2014the sculptor's craft, although possessing its own identity, remained inseparably linked to architectural production. In the case of gargoyles, however, we may reasonably regard them as a clear expression of artistic self-determination or creative autonomy, reflected in the extraordinary imaginative freedom that gave rise to remarkable and virtually limitless creations.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Although it cannot be asserted that gargoyle sculptors followed an iconographic programme as strict as those governing other parts of a cathedral, these sculptures nevertheless appear to form a carefully conceived ensemble executed by master masons, architects, and sculptors whose crafts were closely interconnected. Their aim seems to have been not only to achieve architectural harmony but perhaps also to convey meanings and significance extending beyond purely aesthetic or formal concerns.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">What does seem evident is that, despite the commissions and constraints imposed upon medieval sculptors, gargoyles represent a remarkable outpouring of the artist's imagination, even when the general subject matter may have been predetermined. This explains the extraordinary diversity and originality of these sculptures, with their almost limitless combinations of forms. They constitute a genuine explosion of fantasy and creative freedom that has endured throughout the centuries.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-6029 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Casa-de-las-Conchas-Salamanca.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Casa-de-las-Conchas-Salamanca.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Casa de las Conchas (Salamanca). It is a real animal: a dog.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-13132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Casa-de-las-Conchas-Salamanca.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Casa-de-las-Conchas-Salamanca-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-13132'>\n\t\t\t\tCasa de las Conchas (Salamanca, Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Aquisgran-Alemania-2.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Aquisgran-Alemania-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Modern gargoyle of the Cathedral of Aachen (Germany). It is a fantastical being with geometric (cubist) forms.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-13134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Aquisgran-Alemania-2.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Aquisgran-Alemania-2-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-13134'>\n\t\t\t\tAachen Cathedral (Germany)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Avila.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Avila.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of \u00c1vila. It is a real animal: a lion.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-13136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Avila.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Avila-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-13136'>\n\t\t\t\t\u00c1vila Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Burgos. Demon with insect legs and ghostly face. Located on the lantern tower.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-13138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-13138'>\n\t\t\t\tBurgos Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">With regard to those gargoyles that cannot be observed closely by passers-by, John Ruskin (1819\u20131900), in his discussion of the visibility of sculptural ornament in architecture, states that \u201cif the animal form of a gargoyle placed near the eye appears incomplete, it will possess an abstract quality with suggestive and symbolic forms. But if the figure represents a complete animal, it is placed much farther from view and carved in fine material, allowing it to attain the highest possible degree of perfection\u201d. According to Ruskin, this principle confers nobility upon architectural works.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The same author further observes that \u201cwhenever, in the construction of a building, parts which continue an ornamental composition become hidden from view, the ornament should not cease in those concealed areas. Their existence is assumed and should not be deceptively suppressed. [\u2026] If an ornamental scheme is to be seen both from near and from afar, take care that its execution is as bold and vigorous where it is immediately visible as where it recedes into the distance, so that the spectator may appreciate both what it is and what it is worth. [\u2026] Sculpture does not consist in carving a form into stone, but in carving the effect\u201d.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These final words express, with remarkable clarity, the very essence of the gargoyle.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-6029 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Palencia. It is a demon with wings and vertical pupils.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-13146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-13146'>\n\t\t\t\tPalencia Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Burgos. Demon with dragon-like neck and membranous wings.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-13140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-3.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Burgos-3-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-13140'>\n\t\t\t\tBurgos Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Le\u00f3n. It is an animal monster: a winged quadruped. Located in the cloister.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-13142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Leon-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-13142'>\n\t\t\t\tLe\u00f3n Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-2.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Palencia. It is a demon with a head beneath.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-13148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-2.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-2-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-13148'>\n\t\t\t\tPalencia Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As for the sculptor's working methods, several theories have been proposed. True Gasch, for example, suggests that gargoyles may have been carved <em>in situ<\/em>, directly onto blocks that had already been incorporated into the walls. Williamson, on the other hand, argues that, since no working drawings executed by Gothic sculptors have survived, it is most likely that much of the monumental sculpture was carved directly onto previously marked stone.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Having been able to examine gargoyles at close range and observe details imperceptible from ground level has enabled us to identify one particularly significant aspect: the extraordinary precision and refinement with which both real and fantastic animals were carved, often displaying remarkably accurate anatomical features. This observation suggests the possibility that sculptors consulted bestiaries and literary works when depicting fabulous and mythological creatures, as well as zoological treatises for the anatomical representation of animals. Zoology formed part of the great medieval encyclopaedias, which also included human anatomy and botany. All this may indicate that gargoyle sculptors were familiar with such books and manuals.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The sculptors almost certainly employed preliminary drawings before carving their figures, as documented in sources such as the <em>Album<\/em> of Villard de Honnecourt (thirteenth century). At first glance, one might assume that these drawings or sketches were produced by the sculptors themselves. However, it is equally possible that they received designs prepared by other artists or draughtsmen working within the same workshop\u2014or even in different workshops. Such collaboration probably extended to sculptural models as well. Sculptors could either follow these preliminary drawings faithfully\u2014whether their own or those of others\u2014or use them merely as an initial guide, introducing modifications that reflected their own artistic personality and imagination.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-6029 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-2-3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-2-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Monastery of Batalha (Portugal). It is an anthropomorphic demon with a hand in its mouth and double hooves.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-13156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-2-3.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-2-3-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-13156'>\n\t\t\t\tBatalha Monastery (Portugal)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Palencia. Fantastic figure with two joined bodies: skeleton and unicorn.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-13150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-3.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/D-_Usuarios_Lola-Herrero_Pictures_PAGINA-WEB_BLOG_ANO-2018_SEPTIEMBRE-2018_6-9-18-48_Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-Palencia-3-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-13150'>\n\t\t\t\tPalencia Cathedral (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-St-5.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-St-5.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Cathedral of Limoges (France). It is a demon with backward-curving horns, pointed ears, and the body of a winged quadruped.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-13152\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-St-5.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-de-la-Catedral-de-St-5-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-13152'>\n\t\t\t\tLimoges Cathedral (France)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-1-4.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-1-4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Monastery of Batalha (Portugal). It is a demon with a dragon-like body and wings.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-13154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-1-4.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gargola-del-Monasterio-de-Batalha-Portugal-1-4-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-13154'>\n\t\t\t\tBatalha Monastery (Portugal)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Sculptor's Creativity in Gargoyles<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The observation of gargoyles allows us to recognise that stone speaks. Through form, texture, weathering, style, and the very configuration of the figures, it reveals an era with its artistic practices, its mentality, and its particular ways of understanding and experiencing the world.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Before concluding, we wish once again to emphasise that the gargoyle constitutes an outstanding expression of the artist's creative freedom and imagination. The endless combination of forms and creatures suggests a genuine creative release on the part of the sculptor\u2014an extraordinary and enviable freedom to carve into stone an almost limitless universe of possibilities and fantasies.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\n\t\t<style>\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-6029 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Palma-de-Mallorca-1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Palma-de-Mallorca-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Lonja of Palma de Mallorca. It is an animal monster with long fur and wings.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-13158\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Palma-de-Mallorca-1.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Palma-de-Mallorca-1-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-13158'>\n\t\t\t\tPalma de Mallorca Lonja (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Valencia-11.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"850\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Valencia-11.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Gargoyle of the Lonja de Valencia. It is the figure of Jonah emerging from the mouth of the whale.\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-13160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Valencia-11.jpg 850w, https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lonja-de-Valencia-11-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 850px, 100vw\" title=\"\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-13160'>\n\t\t\t\tValencia Lonja (Spain)\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bibliography\u00a0<\/h2>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">REBOLD BENTON, J., \u201cGargoyles: Animal Imagery and Artistic Individuality in Medieval Art\u201d, <em>Animals in the Middle Age. <\/em><em>A Book of Essays<\/em>, 1996, pp. 147-165.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">RUSKIN, J., <em>Las siete l\u00e1mparas de la arquitectura<\/em>, Barcelona, Editorial Alta Fulla, 1997.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">TRUE GASCH, W., <em>Guide to Gargoyles and Other Grotesques<\/em>, Washington, Washington National Cathedral, 2003.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">VILLARD DE HONNECOURT, <em>Album de Villard d\u00b4Honnecourt, architecte du XIIIe si\u00e8cle: manuscript publi\u00e9 en fac-simile par J. B. A. Lassus\/ouvrage mis au jour par A. Darcel<\/em>, Par\u00eds, L\u00e9once Laget, 1968.<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">WILLIAMSON, P., <em>Escultura G\u00f3tica. 1140-1300<\/em>, Madrid, Ediciones C\u00e1tedra, S. A., 1997.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em>This entry was originally published in November 2019 and updated in July 2026.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13162,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[476],"tags":[2392,2520,3182,2626,187,2425,1105,1673,72,840,2426,3184,3183,935,1077,841,3185],"class_list":["post-6029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-language-of-gargoyles","tag-arquitectura-gotica-en","tag-arte-medieval","tag-creative-freedom","tag-escultura-medieval","tag-gargolas-en","tag-gargolas-medievales-en","tag-gargoyle-iconography","tag-gargoyle-sculptors","tag-gargoyles-en","tag-gothic-architecture","tag-iconografia-de-las-gargolas-en","tag-john-ruskin","tag-master-masons","tag-medieval-art","tag-medieval-gargoyles","tag-medieval-sculpture","tag-villard-de-honnecourt"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6029"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6029\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21686,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6029\/revisions\/21686"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13162"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doloresherrero.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}