A FIELD GUIDE TO GARGOYLES

ONLINE MASTERCLASS

A Rather Mysterious and Fascinating Feature of Art History

A Sneak Peak…

“A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral.”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupery, The Little Prince

MASTERCLASS DESCRIPTION

Discover one of the most fascinating and misunderstood features in art history—the gargoyle. From their origins as practical architectural features to their evolution into intricate works of art, gargoyles reveal much about the cultural, spiritual, and artistic priorities of their time. Explore their symbolism, craftsmanship, and enduring legacy through detailed case studies, including the iconic gargoyles of Notre Dame. The masterclass examines the interplay of function and Christian symbolism in these stone sentinels, highlighting their role in Gothic architecture and their religious significance. Perfect for art enthusiasts and history lovers, this course offers a unique lens into the blend of art, faith, and architectural ingenuity.

Benefits include:

  • Six expert-led modules

  • Unlimited lifetime access; learn at your own pace

  • Stunning visuals

  • No-pressure quiz to review key concepts and see how much you've learned

  • Bonus downloadable field guide

What our customers are saying…

  • A fascinating discussion of gargoyles and grotesques! The photos in particular were excellent, starting with the various paintings of Notre Dame. The course was nicely paced and presented a lot of interesting information without doing too much of a deep dive.

    -Janice (New York, New York)

  • The pictures were beautiful, the format easy to use, especially the ability to go back and forward to study and review as often as I wished, and I did. I would recommend this course for anyone traveling to Europe or who just has an interest the sculptural macabre.

    ~Dave (West Hatfield, Massachusetts)

  • Just the right amount of architecture, history, art, and fun! Loved!

    ~Evie (Miami, Florida)

  • As an untrained but interested history buff, I loved this course. The content is well organized, and the pace is spot on. The gargoyles are places I’ve been or want to visit and what fun it will be to know more about these fascinating “creatures.” It’s a pleasure to do a course that has substantial content without being too academic.

    ~Kathy (New York, New York)

GIFT CARDS

You devil, you! Soar to terrific heights all over Europe to examine one of art history's most fascinating and misunderstood features—the gargoyle. Take what you learned from this two-hour mini-course into the ‘field’ with this beautiful guide on your next trip.

Give the gift of knowledge and discovery.

This masterclass is perfect for anyone passionate about history, art history, or travel!

For $55, you will have unlimited, lifetime access to A Field Guide to Gargoyles.

Learn at your own pace and convenience.

MEET YOUR HOST

Hi, I’m Heather, a historian specializing in medieval and early modern European history with a master’s from Emory. My courses offer rich insights without a classroom feel, combining unique topics with engaging, behind-the-scenes storytelling. You'll gain the tools to enrich your travels, deepen your connection to other cultures, and uncover stories behind familiar landscapes and artifacts—becoming your own guide to history and culture.

My enthusiasm for the cathedrals began as a teenager when I participated in a foreign exchange program and lived with a French family in Paris for the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school. The first place they took me was Notre-Dame de Paris. I’d never seen such grand architecture. From that moment, history and French became my primary fields of study—in and out of the classroom.

Course FAQs

  • No.  Our Courses and Masterclasses are carefully curated and designed for everyone, whether you are new to the subject or have previous experience.  All are welcome!

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  • Absolutely! The moment you purchase a Course, it’s instantly added to your account. You’ll have unlimited, lifetime access, so whether you prefer to take it slow or binge-watch the whole thing in one go, it’s totally up to you. And guess what? You can replay your Courses as often as you wish!

  • Yes, the course is mobile-friendly and can be accessed on any device, including smartphones and tablets.

  • Yes, there are optional quizzes to test your knowledge, but no formal assignments or exams. This is a fun, no pressure course!

  • Absolutely! Our Courses and Masterclasses make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones. Just select "Gift Vouchers" from the menu at the top of the page, choose the Course or Masterclass you'd like to give and follow the easy steps.

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“The Gothic cathedral is a blossoming in stone subdued by the insatiable demand of harmony in man.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson