What is a gargoyle?
From my research I have found that 'gargoyle' has evolved to have multiple meanings however the strict meaning is ' a spout that terminates a grotesque figure of a human or animal designed to convey water away from gutters.' Other meanings include a grotesque figure without the purpose of carrying water away from drainage, a fictional winged creature and even to describe an ugly person.
What makes a gargoyle different to a grotesque?
Gargoyles gargle. In other words, Gargoyles are water spouts which act as drains for rainwater. Grotesques have no such function.
When were gargoyles first introduced?
Gargoyles date back to the Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. The Egyptians used predominantly lions within their imagery although most gargoyles were purely practical so were not carved elaborately. Ancient Greeks based their gargoyles on mythological creatures and emotive human faces. According to Homer, a Chimaera is a lion's head on a goats body with a dragon's tail. It was born in Lycia and slain by Bellerophon.
When were gargoyles first introduced?
Gargoyles date back to the Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. The Egyptians used predominantly lions within their imagery although most gargoyles were purely practical so were not carved elaborately. Ancient Greeks based their gargoyles on mythological creatures and emotive human faces. According to Homer, a Chimaera is a lion's head on a goats body with a dragon's tail. It was born in Lycia and slain by Bellerophon.
What is the purpose of a gargoyle?
The purpose of a gargoyle is both practical and simple - to carry rainwater away for gutters and project it away from buildings in a way to avoid unnecessary weathering and to prevent water falling onto the heads of passers by. The question should perhaps be rephrased - what is the purpose of the visual aesthetics of the common gargoyle which is traditionally depicted to be grotesque and scary.
Do gargoyles have to be scary?
No. Gargoyles come in all sorts of shapes or sizes, some ominous and some even comical. This has lead to the multiple theories on why gargoyles came to be characterized and more and more decorative over time. One of the most popular theories for scary gargoyles is that they ward off evil spirits whilst others say that it is to juxtapose the safety of the churches they lean over.
Interesting facts about gargoyles:
Notes:
Now I have a much deeper understanding of Gargoyles, I am going to explore different artistic routes and influences to determine how I want my gargoyle to look. I want to push the boundaries to the edge of the strictest meaning of gargoyle, yet have something unique. I will look into different cultures, historical influences in sculpture and mythology.
Interesting facts about gargoyles:
- - Gargoyle comes from the Old French word, 'Gargouille'.
- - According to legend, La Gargouille was an ancient dragon who lived in the River Seine. La Gargouille terrorised local towns until it was eventually slain by St Romanus. The carcass was set ablaze and its body burned away leaving only the neck and head. The remains were mounted as a trophy on a building.
- - Adrienne Mayor believes that gargoyles were inspired by the skeletal remains of dinosaurs found by Greek and Roman palaeontologists.
- - Some gargoyles symbolise figures from the ancient Celts such as the Green Man. These were to be the last vestiges of Paganism, from an age where god could be heard in trees or rivers.
- - Gargoyles were most popular within Europe during the middle ages in Gothic Cathedrals.
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| Traditional / Digital sketch of a dinosaur skull |
Notes:
Now I have a much deeper understanding of Gargoyles, I am going to explore different artistic routes and influences to determine how I want my gargoyle to look. I want to push the boundaries to the edge of the strictest meaning of gargoyle, yet have something unique. I will look into different cultures, historical influences in sculpture and mythology.
Resources:
http://www.underthegargoyle.com/symintro.html
http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/articles/mythology_folklore/gargoyles.asp
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