What was the purpose of gargoyles in medieval architecture?
The precise purpose of gargoyles was to act as a spout to convey water from the upper part of a building or roof gutter and away from the side of walls or foundations, thereby helping to prevent water from causing damage to masonry and mortar.
What is a grotesque used for?
The Italian word “grottesca” became the name for this unique art style, and by 1561 it had mutated into the English noun “grotesque.” The adjective form of “grotesque” was first used in the early 17th century to describe the decorative art but is now used to describe anything bizarre, incongruous, or unusual.
What is a gargoyle aka grotesque and where is it historically found in architecture?
A gargoyle is a grotesque that also acts as drain-spout. In art history, a grotesque is any fanciful figure reminiscent of those found painted on the walls of grottoes—or cave-like ruins—in Ancient Rome.
What was the functional purpose of the Gothic gargoyles quizlet?
What was their didactic purpose? The Gothic gargoyles functioned as gutter spigots. Didactically they were to demonstrate that evil cannot enter the sacred space of the church.
What is the difference between a gargoyle and a grotesque?
Basically, grotesques are decorative stone carvings on old buildings, usually the heads of strange and ugly creatures, whereas gargoyles are spouts in the form of grotesque human or animal figures projecting from a roof gutter to throw rainwater clear of a building.
Why are gargoyles grotesque?
We now associate the term with unnatural, ugly or distorted forms, which can have the power to shock or scare those that cast their eyes over them. Both gargoyles and grotesques have been attributed with the power to ward off evil spirits, guarding the buildings they occupy and protecting those inside.
What is a gargoyle vs grotesque?
What was the original purpose of a gargoyle on Gothic cathedrals?
Gargoyles were originally designed in 13th century French architecture as a means of disposing of water. Think of them as the precursor to the gutter. Typically, a trough was cut into the back of the gargoyle and the rainwater was able to run off of the roof and through the gargoyle’s mouth.
Which of the following medieval cathedrals was best known for its inclusion of gargoyles?
The Gothic period in architecture lasted from the 12th century to the 16th century. One of the most famous examples of cathedrals with gargoyles is the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The word ”gargoyle” comes from the old French word gargouille, or throat.
What material was often used as covers for medieval books?
Parchment Making Most medieval manuscripts were written on specially treated animal skins, called parchment or vellum (paper did not become common in Europe until around 1450). The pelts were first soaked in a lime solution to loosen the fur, which was then removed.
What is a grotesque gargoyle?
In architecture, a grotesque or chimera is a fantastic or mythical figure used for decorative purposes. Chimerae are often described as gargoyles, although the term gargoyle technically refers to figures carved specifically as terminations to spouts which convey water away from the sides of buildings.
Are gargoyles used today?
Gargoyles have been used throughout the ages. In Ancient Egyptian architecture, gargoyles were prominently sculpted in the form of a lion’s head. Currently, there are 39 remaining lion-headed water drains on the Temple of Zeus.
Why are gargoyles called grotesques?
This grotesque appearance is why gargoyle like creatures on the sides of buildings with no structural purpose are known as ‘grotesques’. Their unusual and distinctive appearance makes them a favorite feature of old buildings for many people, and they are even the topic of several legends and folktales.
What is the purpose of gargoyles in architecture?
They are both functional and beautiful – utility and art. A gargoyle’s purpose is to gather water from a structure’s roof and pour it out and away from the facade – ancient rainwater mitigation. You see, water tends to erode mortar used in masonry buildings, so architects designe…
What are the Gothic gargoyles?
Gargoyles are instantly recognizable, grotesque, carved creatures peering down from the tops of churches and cathedrals. However, their origin has nothing to do with Christianity; in fact, they are borrowed symbols that were incorporated into Christian buildings.
What is a grotesque sculpture called?
A grotesque figure is a sculpture that does not work as a waterspout and serves only an ornamental or artistic function. These are also usually called gargoyles in layman’s terminology, although the field of architecture usually preserves the distinction between gargoyles (functional waterspouts) and non-waterspout grotesques.