Gargoyles

1
Gargoyles

• Where do they come from?
• What is their purpose?
• Are they still made?

2
What about Gargoyles?

• Where are gargoyles found?
• Notre Dame, a famous cathedral in Paris, France
  has many gargoyles on it.
  
• Have you ever seen a gargoyle?
• Where have you seen one?
• What was it like?

3
Why Gargoyles?

• The word gargoyle comes from the French word to
  gargle.
  
• This is because Gargoyles are a water spout.
• When the water runs through the gargoyle, it
  makes a gargling noise.
  
• Gargoyles were used to wash evil spirits away.

4
LGargouille

• LGargouille described as having a long, reptilian
  neck, a slender snout and membranous wings lived
  in a cave near the river Seine. The dragon caused
  much fear and destruction with its fiery breath,
  spouting water and the devouring of ships and
  men. Each year, the residents of Rouen would
  placate Gargouille with an offering of a victim,
  usually a criminal, though it was said the dragon
  preferred maidens. Around 600, the village was
  saved by St. Romanis, who promised to deal with
  the dragon if the townspeople agreed to be
  baptized and to build a church. Romanus subdued
  the dragon by making the sign of the cross and
  then led the now docile beast back to town on a
  leash made from his priest's robe. La Gargouille
  was then burned at the stake, it is said that his
  head and neck were so well tempered by the heat
  of his fiery breath, that they would not burn.
  These remnants were then mounted on the town wall
  and became the model for gargoyles for centuries
  to come

5
The History of Gargoyles

• Some of the earliest known forms of this type of
  architectural element have been found in ancient
  Roman and Greek ruins. These were made of
  terra-cotta. Later figures were carved of wood,
  with a complete shift to stone by the 13th
  century.

6
Architectural Features

• Gargoyles can be found in many types of Gothic
  architecture, but they are usually associated
  with the great churches and cathedrals of Europe,
  most notably the Cathedral of Notre Dame in
  Paris, France.

7
Making a Gargoyle

• Draw a rough draft of the gargoyle you would like
  to make.
  
• Make it a water spout.
• A wide open mouth.
• Add fantasy elements.

8
Tips for Handbuilding

• Make sure all the bubbles are out, by wedging the
  clay.
  
• Needs to be hollow, with an air hole.
• Slip and score to attach objects.
• Smooth out cracks and seams.
• Let dry thoroughly.

9
Writing about your art.

• What made you choose the features that you put on
  your gargoyle?
  
• What is it about your gargoyle make it fantasy?
• How did you use juxtaposition?