- Steven Edson
- Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France, 1983
- Archival pigment print
- Signature: Artist signature hand signed in pencil on the front border in the lower right corner. Print number and edition size located in the lower left border on the front of print.
This photograph of two stone gargoyles perched on the edge of the Notre Dame Cathedral overlooking Paris, France. On the left, a gargoyle with a human-like face is captured in a thoughtful pose, with one hand placed against its cheek as if pondering or lost in contemplation. Its wings are slightly spread, and it appears to be seated, with its gaze directed towards the horizon.
The gargoyle on the right is more animalistic, with avian features, possibly an eagle or a griffin. It has wide, open eyes, a beak, and a pronounced chest with feather-like textures. Its gaze is directed outward, ostensibly watchful over the city below. The juxtaposition of these two figures is particularly striking, showcasing different aspects of mythical guardianship.
The sculptural detail, captured in both figures expresses a range of textures that evoke a sense of age and weathering. The thoughtful positioning of the gargoyles invites viewers to connect with the concept of guardianship and protection that these figures have historically symbolized. Their outlook over Paris provides a narrative component to the work, suggesting a timeless watchfulness.
Emotionally, the left gargoyle's human-like expression invokes empathy and introspection in the viewer, while the right one instills a sense of vigilance and strength. The choice to photograph these sculptures from this angle enhances the perception of depth and grandeur of the surrounding city, making it an integral part of the artwork itself.
The technical elements of the photograph, such as lighting and composition, effectively emphasize the textures and form of the gargoyles, managing to balance between the subjects and the expansive city background. The soft, diffused light highlights the contours of the sculptures and provides a pleasant contrast to the sharp lines of the distant Parisian cityscape.
- Subject Matter: Architecture, Sculpture, Gargoyles