Assignment 2A
"No symbolism can explain the monstrous fauna of the cathedrals...
If ever works are exempt of meaning surely these are...
All attempts at explanation must be foredoomed to failure."
-Emile Male
Gargoyles, although most commonly associated with the Medieval times, have been used all throughout time. Many generations used these often scary, but sometimes comical, creatures for water systems. Ranging from gutters to fountains, gargoyles always had a functional use. Gargoyles also had a spiritual purpose as well. The church used gargoyles for two purposes. One was to convey unspoken messages before someone entered the church, often in hopes of keeping unfaithfuls away. The other was to scare away evil spirits. Many had strong opinions on gargoyles.
"There is much symbolism in the sculpture of [the Gothic] period; but we must be wary of reading in too much meaning."
-Lester Burbank Bridham
If ever works are exempt of meaning surely these are...
All attempts at explanation must be foredoomed to failure."
-Emile Male
Gargoyles, although most commonly associated with the Medieval times, have been used all throughout time. Many generations used these often scary, but sometimes comical, creatures for water systems. Ranging from gutters to fountains, gargoyles always had a functional use. Gargoyles also had a spiritual purpose as well. The church used gargoyles for two purposes. One was to convey unspoken messages before someone entered the church, often in hopes of keeping unfaithfuls away. The other was to scare away evil spirits. Many had strong opinions on gargoyles.
"There is much symbolism in the sculpture of [the Gothic] period; but we must be wary of reading in too much meaning."
-Lester Burbank Bridham