1. Art of Medieval Europe: Gargoyles

2. What is a Gargoyle?
Gargoyles are grotesque carved figures which often adorn medieval buildings, usually churches or cathedrals.
Most are imaginary creatures based on animals, but some have human traits.

3. Purpose of Gargoyles Decoration Protection from evil spirits
Their spout was used to direct water away from buildings

4. Grotesques
Grotesques are sculptures that do not work as waterspouts and serve only an ornamental or artistic function.
In “layman’s terms” these are usually also called gargoyles

5. The Lion Motif In ancient times, the lion was linked to the sun
During the medieval period lions became the symbol of pride, one of the 7 deadly sins.
Cats other than lions were rare among gargoyle carvings because of their dark nature and association with Satanism and Witchcraft

6. The Dog Motif
Dogs were seen as faithful, loyal, and intelligent, making them excellent guardians.
They were, however, not without their faults. Their well-known hunger and tendency to steal food from kitchens showed that even dogs were vulnerable to the Devil's temptation.

7. The Wolf Motif
Although the wolf was a really feared creature in medieval times, it was also respected.
Wolves have the ability to live and cooperate as a pack that gave rise to the metaphor that a wolf could be a leader of a pack and protect the members.
This was linked to priests who would fight of the evil of the Devil for the common folk.
The wolf was also linked to the deadly sin of greed.

8. The Eagle Motif
A powerful bird who was said to be able to slay dragons.
Eagles were respected for their ability to see far away objects, and were also said to renew themselves by looking into the sun

9. The Snake Motif
From the story of Adam and Eve, the serpent represents a struggle between good and evil.
The serpent was related to the deadly sin ‘envy’.
They were also thought to be immortal due to the shedding of their skin.
This gave rise to the symbol for immortality being the Ouroboros, a serpent with a tail in its mouth

10. The Goat Motif The goat had two viewpoints in medieval times:
One perspective was that the goat was equated with Christ due to its ability to climb steep slopes and find edible food.
On the other side it was seen as a symbol for lust and even linked to Satan

11. The Monkey Motif
Monkeys were seen as what happened to humans when nature went awry.
They were thought to be stupid creatures, and their intelligence was misrepresented as cunning.
The monkey was linked to the deadly sin of ‘sloth’.

12. Chimeras
Chimeras are merely mixes of different types of animal body parts to create a new creature.
Some of the more notable chimeras are griffins, centaurs, harpies, and mermaids.
Chimeras often served as a warning to people who underestimated the devil.

13. Chimeras

14. Chimeras

15. Human-like Gargoyles
Grotesque versions of humans were also common subjects
The sculptors were known to include portraits of their enemies

16. Human-like Gargoyles

17. Human-like Gargoyles

18. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
Use papier mache to create a sculpture inspired by medieval gargoyles

19. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
Begin by drawing a few different ideas in your sketchbook
Print out reference photos if necessary
Create an original design
Rough work will be checked, and is part of your grade

20. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
Build the armature for your sculpture
Armature is the underlying structure.
You can use anything—cardboard, newspaper, tape, wire, plastic, empty cans or bottles…etc

21. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
Add the first layer of papier mache
Mix flour, water & glue to create the paste. It should be the consistency of pancake batter
Dip strips of newspaper into the paste, strain off excess, and apply to your armature

22. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
For details, create a pulp by soaking shredded newspaper in hot water overnight, then straining it.

23. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
The pulp can then be used to create subtle details like eyes, teeth, and ridges

24. Papier-Mache Gargoyle Project
When everything is dry, paint your sculpture using acrylic paint.
You will need at LEAST 2 coats of paint.
It is a good idea to lay down 2 coats of a solid colour, then dry brush on the shadows, highlights and textures

25. Evaluation Design (Balance, complexity & creativity)
Technique (Smooth finish, strength, polish)
Painting (Coverage, detail, texture)