Antique Book Project - Notre Dame Gargoyles

A series of drawings of select gargoyles, or, more accurately, "grotesques", from the famous Notre Dame cathedral, in Paris. For years, gargoyles have protected the building from physical elements by being constructed in such a way as to keep water from eroding the structure - such as the many gargoyles that serve as integrated downspouts for the church. Likewise, they've served a metaphysical role as wardens against evil and negativity. Grotesques serve a similar decorative purpose, without an architectural function beyond aesthetics. And who doesn't love the aesthetic?

An inspiration to many over the decades, here is my capture of a few favorites - hoping they'll bring inspiration and maybe even a protective spirit to whatever space in which they find themselves. I hope dearly to see these denizens in person some day.

Saved from being discarded when my grandparents downsized their home, these pages are from a book that appears to have been a college text for a great-great-great-grandmother. I've long been intrigued by the aesthetic of book art, and coming across this book gave me an opportunity to turn something no longer valued into something new and beautiful.

Page numbers can be referenced in top corners of photos to match selections in the options menu. Additional descriptions are included where page number is obscured.

Approximately 4.75 x 7.25 in.

Pen and ink on antique book paper.
Unframed originals.