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.
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...
Gargoyles and their Small Companions. The Cloister of Narbonne Cathedral
On many buildings you often see gargoyles accompanied by small creatures. Today we're going to discuss these little creatures and I'll show you a fantastic example of this type, which I discovered in the lovely French city of Narbonne. Gargoyles often include small...
The Gargoyles and its Creator
Today we're going to talk about something a little different. We're not going to discuss types, features or symbolism, instead this post is devoted solely and exclusively to the maker, the creator, in short, the artist. The gargoyle sculptor. León...
The Anthropomorph in Gargoyles. Symbolism and Images
As we saw in the previous post, one of the most important figures, both in formal and iconographic terms, and most commonly depicted in gargoyles, is the anthropomorph, probably due to the variety of interpretations that this type of figure prompts. It's...
The Anthropomorph in Gargoyles. Origins and Sources
One of the most important figures, both in formal and iconographic terms, is the anthropomorph. It's commonly portrayed in gargoyles, probably because of the variety of interpretations this type of figure has. They are animals with features similar to...
The Gargoyles on Luxembourg Cathedral and their Unusual Iconography
In this post we return to Luxembourg to admire the gargoyles on the church regarded as the most important in the country, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Standing adjacent to the National Library, the church was built by Jesuits between 1613 and 1621, and...
The Two-headed Creature and its Portrayal in Gargoyles
In today's post we'll be discussing two-headedness in gargoyles. To delve into the fascinating world of these monstrous creatures, we'll start with a general explanation of the meaning of creatures with two or more heads or limbs. On the topic of the...
The Gargoyles of Santiago de Compostela and their Fantastic Iconography
We make our first stop on Galician soil in a beautiful place, the only one of its kind in the world, Santiago de Compostela. Like its monuments, the beauty and uniqueness of its gargoyles really captivates passers-by as they explore this lovely, charming city....
Water Drainage in Gargoyles
Generally speaking, the water drainage spout in gargoyles is placed in the mouths of the beings and creatures we see depicted in them. This means that they are often very eloquent, with wide open mouths and sometimes exaggerated and very expressive...
Gargoyles in the Basque Country. The Gargoyles on the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Juncal in Irún
After admiring the gargoyles on the "Catedral Nueva" in Vitoria, in today's post we'll be continuing to enjoy gargoyles in the Basque Country. We're off to the beautiful city of Irún, where I've discovered some of the strangest and loveliest figures I've...
Gesturality in Images of Gargoyles. Plasticity in Art
In today's post we continue examining one of the most amazing and intriguing gargoyle topics, the gesturality of the body and its expressive force. In the first part we looked at two habitual gestures in gargoyles: pulling on the mouth ― and other parts...
The Gargoyles on the Cathedral of María Inmaculada in Vitoria II. Art History
We continue our trip to Vitoria to enjoy the latest gargoyles placed around the Cathedral of María Inmaculada. Remember that the cathedral was built in the Neo-Gothic style (1907-1969) and is known as "Catedral Nueva" (New Cathedral) to distinguish it...
Gesturality in Images of Gargoyles. Expressive Force in Art
As part of our discussion on the history and research of symbolism in gargoyles let's continue to explore one of the most important and astonishing topics in their iconography. In a previous post I talked about facial expressiveness and today we're going...
The Gargoyles on the Cathedral of María Inmaculada in Vitoria I
Art History and Research Today's journey takes us to the beautiful capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz, the city that's home to the cathedral of María Inmaculada, a delight for all gargoyle lovers. This visit is going to take more than one...