Notre-Dame Gargoyles 02
by Weston Westmoreland
Title
Notre-Dame Gargoyles 02
Artist
Weston Westmoreland
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The gargoyles at Notre-Dame, Paris. Closer view.
Detail of the southern side of the main façade of Notre Dame de Paris and the cornice from which the Gargoyles watch the city.
The cathedral's construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully and was largely complete by 1260, though it was modified frequently in the following centuries. The cathedral was the site of the coronation of Napoleon I and the funerals of many presidents of the French Republic.
Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. Its pioneering use of the rib vault and flying buttress, its enormous and colorful rose windows, as well as the naturalism and abundance of its sculptural decoration set it apart from the earlier Romanesque style.
The gargoyles were added around 1240 for practical purposes. They were designed to divide the torrent of water which poured from the roof after rain, and to project it outwards as far as possible. To produce many thin streams rather than a torrent of water, a large number of gargoyles were used, so they were also designed to be a decorative element of the architecture. The rainwater ran from the roof into lead gutters, then down channels on the flying buttresses, then along a channel cut in the back of the gargoyle and out of the mouth away from the cathedral.
Notre-Dame is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the city of Paris and the French nation. Approximately 12 million people visit this Gothic wonder annually, making it the most visited monument in Paris.
Notre-Dame caught fire on the evening of 15 April 2019. The cathedral sustained serious damage, including the destruction of the flèche (the timber spirelet over the crossing) and most of the lead-covered wooden roof above the stone vaulted ceiling. The restoration will preserve the cathedral's 'historic, artistic and architectural interest. The first mass will be held in the cathedral nave in April the 15th 2024, even if the reconstruction is not finished.
As for Paris... what can one say about the City of Light that has not already been said...?
More views of Paris one copy-paste away in my Gallery at http://westonwestmoreland.com/collections/paris
Weston Westmoreland.
Uploaded
June 7th, 2021
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