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GarGoyles and Grotesques In cities across America, they stare at us with a leering gaze. Some have horns protruding from their heads; others are part animal, part human, with scowls on their faces. We are referring to grotesques: the scary figures carved into stone corbels, keystones, and friezes on building facades. In 12th century Europe, grotesques, as well as open-mouthed gargoyles—which directed _rainwater__ away from buildings—became commonplace, especially on the outside of cathedrals. At the time, the church was trying to convert the largely pagan masses to Christianity. The figures, which were is stark contrast to the saintly sculptures that also decorated buildings, demonstrated to an illiterate congregation the difference between _good and evil___. . Historically, many gargoyles have their mouths open, some with their _tounges____ protruding, symbolizing a devouring giant—a force beyond our world that we must pay homage to.

GOTHIC ART : A MEDIEVAL ART MOVEMENT

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Page 1: GOTHIC ART : A MEDIEVAL ART MOVEMENT

GarGoyles and GrotesquesIn cities across America, they stare at us with a leering gaze. Some have horns protruding from their heads; others are part animal, part human, with scowls on their faces. We are referring to grotesques: the scary figures carved into stone corbels, keystones, and friezes on building facades. In 12th century Europe, grotesques, as well as open-mouthed gargoyles—which directed _rainwater__away from buildings—became commonplace, especially on the outside of cathedrals. At the time, the church was trying to convert the largely pagan masses to Christianity. The figures, which were is stark contrast to the saintly sculptures that also decorated buildings, demonstrated to an illiterate congregation the difference between _good and evil___.

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Historically, many gargoyles have their mouths open, some with their _tounges____ protruding, symbolizing a devouring giant—a force beyond our world that we must pay homage to.

Page 2: GOTHIC ART : A MEDIEVAL ART MOVEMENT

The following are at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Although sculpting grotesques has been a dwindling art for the past seventy years, there has been a resurgence of architectural ornamentation in the past decade, according to Arnold. That, and the proliferation of grotesque characters in movies like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and the Batman franchise, will ensure the place of grotesques in the world of art for years to come.

To fulfill the ancient tradition of placing grotesques on cathedrals, an image of Darth Vader from the Star Wars trilogy was sculpted and set high up in the northwest tower of the Washington National Cathedral.

Remember to LOOK UP! There are many Gargoyles and Grotesques on buildings in Texas. Just for starters, check out buildings in Austin such as the Driskill Hotel or ,San Antonio on the Smith Young Tower. Courthouses, government buildings, as well as churches will often have a unique and interesting grotesques or gargoyles. Let me know if you find one!