Have you noticed how the water flows from the mouths of stone creatures? These are Wasserspeier Sculptures.
Let’s explore the story of these fascinating architectural elements. Wasserspeier is German for “water spitter”. These sculptures aren’t just decorative. They serve a vital purpose.
A Wasserspeier is a water drain. It is often a spout or a hollowed figure on buildings. You can find them on sacred and secular structures. They direct accumulated water away from walls. This protects the building from water damage.
The term “gargoyle” is often misused. It is used for sculptures that resemble Wasserspeier. However those sculptures don’t function as water spouts. These figures are correctly called grotesques or chimeras.
The concept of diverting rainwater using pipes or animal heads dates back to ancient times. In Greece, lion-headed Wasserspeier adorned early Doric temples. These architectural ornaments later appeared in Roman art.
After antiquity, Wasserspeier declined in importance. Early Middle Age buildings were sturdy enough to withstand weather. Rainwater simply ran off the roof. But as new architectural styles emerged, Wasserspeier reappeared. They protected buildings from flowing rainwater.
The golden age of Gothic Wasserspeier began in the mid-13th century. It lasted until the late 14th century. The “Gargouilles” at Laon Cathedral in France are among the earliest examples. They were constructed between 1220 and 1230. Wasserspeier became increasingly elaborate. Some evolved into grotesque masterpieces of sculpture. Human figures began to replace animal forms. Sculptors created exaggerated caricatures.
During the 14th century, Wasserspeier became longer and more detailed. By the 15th century, they traded demonic features for comical expressions. In the Late Gothic period, Wasserspeier lost religious meanings. They became more comical. Their popularity spread throughout Western Europe into the 16th century. Metal Wasserspeier appeared from the 16th to 19th centuries. The invention of the rain pipe in the 17th century caused their decline. But the Historicism movement of the 19th century revived them.
Medieval sculptors usually created these works off-site. The visible part of the Wasserspeier is the front of a large stone block. The back was anchored into the wall for stability. Craftsmen used tools like hammers, chisels, and files. They likely developed ideas using clay or plaster models. The basic shape was then carved from stone. Details were refined. The surface was smoothed to protect the stone.
Clear shapes were created because viewers would see them from far below. The backs of figures were shaped into half-pipes. These were sometimes lined with lead. Short iron or lead pipes were inserted into mouths. The heavy blocks were then hoisted into position.
After drainpipes became common, non-functional Wasserspeier were often removed. The mouths of the remaining ones were sealed. The motifs can be divided into three groups: animals, mythical creatures, and humans.
Common animals included lions and dogs. The lion was a symbol of God or the Devil. The dog was a guardian or a demon. Other animals included wolves, goats and pigs. Mythical creatures included dragons. Human figures included demons and dice players.
Some believe Wasserspeier served as guardians. They warded off evil. Others suggest they entertained the public. Today, Wasserspeier are part of our cultural heritage. They appear in novels and films. Wasserspeier remain popular in new forms.
Günter Anlauf designed the Wasserspeier at the Urnenfriedhof Neukölln in 1984. The rectangular spouts feature intricate designs. These flank the water outlet. The sculptures are made of cast cement.
So, next time you see a Wasserspeier take a moment to appreciate its history. Think of the craftsmanship and the stories it holds. These water-spitting figures connect us to centuries of art and architecture.