Gallery I: Side Room
Notre-Dame de Reims
Notre-Dame de Reims is located in France. It's name translates out to Our Lady of Reims. As such, within France, it is located at Reims. For a better idea of where this is, the map below has been provided. Also noted on the map are prime Cathedral locales.
The gargoyles and chimeres of Notre-Dame de Reims are known throughout the world. These statues have suffered a fate different than those of Paris. Many of the statues of Reims were destroyed during the second World War. However, due to loving people they were recovered and replaced. Do not be fooled, however, many of the original statues still exist. Those that do not date from the Middle Ages are not found herein. Yet, what does Notre-Dame de Reims look like? How does it compare to Our Lady of Paris? Well, see for yourself. I'd say she holds her own.
Having seen the Cathedral, and having earlier seen the statues from it, perhaps you would like to know more about the gargoyles themselves. Below, they are reproduced in miniature, and beside them you may find some helpful though albeit grotesque information. Again, these images can be found in the various sources in the research section of this museum.
Ram Gargoyle
Gargoyles performed their function as water-spouts in a surprisingly simple manner. Along their tops was a deep groove or trough that would funnel the water out through their mouths. Return
Fantastic Griffen Creature
This creature shows succinctly the combination of species that would occur with many chimeres. Many times a number of animals were placed together to form single beasts like this fantastic monster. Return
Goat-Like Gargoyle
In Italian they are gronda sporgente, which means "protruding gutter." The French gargouille comes from the Latin gargula which means "gullet" or "throat." (Benton 1997) Return
Great Cat Gargoyle
The Dutch have termed them waterspuer which is indicative of their qualities since they truly appear to "spit water." Return
Row of Gargoyles
Due to the sound produced when water travels through them, the English term gargoyle comes from the French verb gargarniser, "to gargle." Return
In case you entered the museum by a route other than the Introduction and need further explanation of the terms Streaker, Stroller and Student, please refer to the Introduction. Thank-you.
Visitor Comments Introduction Gargoyles and Chimeres of Notre-Dame de Reims Notre-Dame de Reims
