The Fascination Of Gargoyles And Gothic Architecture

Published: 04th April 2011
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The style of architecture began in ancient in France and later gained influence throughout Europe during the middle ages. Churches and cathedrals as well as castles and fortresses made us of the gargoyles and gothic architecture style. It presented a prominent image of power and strength.

This approach included various aspects like large stained glass windows, tapestries, buttresses, high arches and tall spires reaching the sky. The most common feature were the high stained glass windows built in cathedrals and which portrayed religious scenes. The light coming from outside spread through the windows into the building illuminating the images in different colors.

Gargoyles were carved to depict people or animals and giving them a demonic look. They were intentionally used as spouts to drain water which accumulated on top of tall buildings which eventually poured through their mouths. Gargoyle in Latin is gurgulio which means throat. The word in French is gargouille meaning throat or gurgle as defined by the gurgling sound it makes when water runs through its mouth.

These stone carved images were built on very tall buildings bending over roof gutters as they seemed like they were looking down upon you and guarding the buildings. Their scary look added an ugly feature which people felt intimidated by, subsequently, creating superstitions regarding their horrifying image which raised beliefs that their intention was to frighten evil spirits. Their popularity grew in time, and later were used for the purpose of decoration as they stopped functioning as waterspouts and later were given the name grotesques or chimeras.

There is contradiction reflecting in the design which makes it stand out such as its ugliness against its beauty. Dark and awful images meet the intricate details in the carvings. The height and outstanding appearance of the building opposite the illuminated colored windows.

Changes in different structural designs, gothic architecture is hardly of any use anymore, yet, this authentic piece of architecture will be remembered as an important element as the materials were strong enough to strengthen the structure of the buildings. In present day this technique is applied in government and academic edifices.

Get inside info on the history of Gargoyles and Gothic architecture now in our guide to all you need to know about a Gargoyle on http://articlesnmore.com

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