Sunday, September 20, 2009

Garnish Grows near Gargoyle Guards


Built in 1871, the magnificient St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Napoleon Avenue in New Orleans is adorned near the top with these gargoyle guards. Originally gargoyles on churches were for water runoff spouts. I don't think these serve that purpose.

Notice the green plan growing on the left of this 40-some-odd high creatures. On the right, and even on the top, if you look closely, you can see some new sprouts, trying to get hold. They are totally white, which to me, does not signify they have got a good lease on life yet.

--steve buser
Powered by ScribeFire.

3 comments:

Hilda said...

I think that this is the first time I've seen a gargoyle that not only does not look hideous but is actually smiling nicely! Cute.

Isn't it wonderful how mother nature can survive in the most hostile places? Of course, whoever maintains the cathedral won't appreciate it. :D

Wanda said...

That interesting....today driving home from my treatment, I saw a gargoyle on a fence infront of an abandoned house... with the weeds and trash...it looked in place.

Brendan said...

a gargoyle not used for a drain spout is called a grotesque. they are often found in addition to gargoyles, but can appear without them. they served the same purpose - to frighten the attendees into good behavior with a vision of hell.