Gargoyles Facts and interesting information about Medieval Art, specifically Gargoyles, during the Middle Ages Gothic Architecture Gothic Architecture and the Gothic Arch Gothic architecture is characterized by stained-glass windows, flying buttresses, tall spires, the Gothic arch or pointed arch and Gothic Gargoyles. Gothic Architecture is the term used to describe the style of architecture which were used between 1200 AD to 1500 AD. The different types of English Gothic Architecture styles are divided into three distinct phases: Early English Gothic Style ( also called Lancet) - 1200 to 1300 Decorated Gothic Style - 1300 to 1400 Perpendicular Gothic Style - 1400 to 1500 Definition and Origin of Gargoyles and Grotesques Gargoyles came into gothic architecture in the early 13th century and are defined as "a waterspout, projecting from an upper part of a building or a roof gutter to throw water clear of walls or foundations." The origins of the word 'gargoyle' are derived from the old French word 'gargouille' meaning throat. In Architectural terms only the creature serving as actual water spout is called a Gargoyle, otherwise is it known as a Grotesque. A grotesque may function solely as decoration. Description of Gargoyles - What do Gargoyles represent? Gargoyles were usually carved in the form of a grotesque face, figure or frightening creature projecting from a roof gutter. Gargoyles were painted and some were even gilded. Gargoyles might depicted any number of grotesque images including: Ugly human faces Animals Mythical creatures Imaginary creatures Gargoyles combining several animals are also referred to as chimeras The materials used for the earliest Gargoyles were made of wood or even terracotta but early Medieval Gothic gargoyles were made of stone. Later gargoyles, especially in churches, were predominantly limestone and marble, although metals such as lead were also used in fashioning some gargoyles. Stone gargoyles were carved on the ground and then put into place when the building was almost at the point of completion. Stone Gargoyles in Medieval Architecture Gargoyles are a fascinating element of Medieval Architecture. These frightening, grotesque sculptures are most often associated with Medieval Churches and Cathedrals but they were also used to great effect in English Gothic castles. Gargoyles are frightening and intimidating sculptures - perfect for the likes of great lords who built elaborate fortresses and castles in order to crush and intimidate the indigenous population. However, whilst gargoyles were included in the construction of many medieval buildings, they seem to be most prevalent on churches. What is the purpose of Gargoyles? What is the purpose of Gargoyles? The first is a practical purpose - gargoyles provided a method of drainage which protected the stones and the mortar of churches, cathedrals and castles from erosion. The number of Gargoyles added to buildings were numerous because dividing the flow of water minimized potential water damage. The second purpose of gargoyles was as 'guardians' of the buildings in the form of abstract symbols designed to represent, and to ward off evil. What do Gargoyles represent? What do Gargoyles represent? Gargoyles all have a common theme, they are carved with big wide-open mouths. Whilst this was a practical, functional and necessary requirement of gargoyles creatures and images with mouths wide open are symbolic of devouring giants. And lets be honest, how could Medieval stone masons make anything look beautiful when it has to be displayed with a big wide-open mouth! http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-art/gargoyles.htm As in spuing out or vomiting out.
Same as all semiotics, there are different meanings to each style and interpretation. Ancient Rome developed open mouthed sewers highly decorated with which their only purpose was to drain ****.
