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A Gargoyle of Amiens by John Taylor Arms

A Gargoyle of Amiens by John Taylor Arms

A Gargoyle of Amiens

John Taylor Arms

Title

A Gargoyle of Amiens

 
Artist

John Taylor Arms

  1887 - 1953 (biography)
Year
1923  
Technique
etching 
Image Size
5 x 6 7/8" platemark 
Signature
pencil, lower right 
Edition Size
artist's proof outside of the edition of 110 
Annotations
pencil inscribed Artist's proof; plate inscribed J.T. Arms in lower left 
Reference
Fletcher 134; Gargoyle Series #10; Arms 137; LOC 130 
Paper
ivory wove watermarked Arches 
State
II/II 
Publisher
artist 
Inventory ID
24558 
Price
SOLD
Description

Construction of Amiens Cathedral began in 1220 and the building continued through a succession of bishops to be completed in 1288. It is a Gothic masterpiece that displays a consistent architectural style that is rarely seen in other French cathedrals. Today the cathedral Notre-Dame d'Amiens remains the loftiest and tallest building of Picardy and has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1981.

Amiens Cathedral has numerous gargoyles at the top parts of the cathedral. These are elongated, horizontal creatures that were designed as conduits to drain water from the roofs. This elongated, winged creature protrudes horizontally from a roof drain. Its angle and its opened mouth force the stream of water outward protecting the sides of the building from the falling water.