This rather distressed-looking grotesque lives on Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, England. He sticks out his tongue and pokes at something inside his mouth, as though he's having some dental problems. I can't help but feel a little sorry for this odd little dude. He belongs to a subset of gargoyles and grotesques known as "mouth pullers"… Continue reading Gargoyle of the Day: Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
Category: British
December 22nd: A Young Girl Dressed Up for Christmas by Kate Greenaway
For a fine art Advent calendar, a charming illustration of a well-dressed little girl by Kate Greenaway.
Gargoyle of the Day: Tower of London
This weirdly-misshapen face is one of several gargoyles or grotesques located on the infamous Tower of London. Considering the many horrifying things that have happened inside that castle-turned-prison, I would say that his somewhat-twisted appearance is appropriate, though I'm sure this wasn't intentional. Interestingly, the other Tower of London gargoyles I found, though all still disembodied… Continue reading Gargoyle of the Day: Tower of London
December 1st: Christ in the House of His Parents by John Everett Millais
The first installment of an art historical advent calendar - features Christ in the House of His Parents by John Everett Millais.
Gargoyle of the Day: Church of St. Denys, Aswarby, Lincolnshire
This square-ish fellow kind of reminds me of an early video game creature. When I went to get the image link, I noticed it was titled "Hunky Punk", which I thought was interesting. I googled the term and discovered that "hunky punk" is a term specifically used in Somerset, England to describe grotesques (never true… Continue reading Gargoyle of the Day: Church of St. Denys, Aswarby, Lincolnshire
St. Cuthbert’s Gospel – Day Twenty of Medieval Manuscripts
I'm starting to realize that I prefer older (pre-10th century) medieval manuscripts to later ones. I think I'm attracted to older manuscripts' inherent mysteries - we simply don't know as much about their makers or original owners. Accordingly, today's feature is the St. Cuthbert Gospel, a seventh-century English gospel book now owned by the British… Continue reading St. Cuthbert’s Gospel – Day Twenty of Medieval Manuscripts
The Luttrell Psalter – Day Ten of Medieval Manuscripts
The Luttrell Psalter (British Library Add. MS 42130) is a 14th-century English psalter now at the British Library. It's a particularly beautiful example and is celebrated for its animal marginalia and idealized scenes of everyday medieval life.
Worksop Bestiary – Day Nine of Medieval Manuscripts
Bestiaries are among my favorite type of medieval manuscript. Simply put, bestiaries are books of animals, containing illustrations and descriptions of each creature. With a mix of real and imagined creatures, quirky illustrations, and "facts" that are more like myth and allegory, bestiaries are endlessly fascinating and charming.
Gargoyle of the Day: Windsor Castle, England
I've noticed that many of the quirkiest and most unique gargoyles that catch my eye are from England. This little man looks almost like he could be a cartoon character or a figure in an animated movie about the Middle Ages.
Gargoyle of the Day: Westminster Abbey, London
I'm quickly becoming obsessed with the gargoyles of Westminster in London. I think they just have such a unique character that sets them apart from the rest. This little guy is more of a grotesque than a true gargoyle, but his charm is exactly the variety that I'm talking about. You can see more of the Westminster gargoyles in this… Continue reading Gargoyle of the Day: Westminster Abbey, London