Michael Camille Livres

The history of the gargoyles at Notre Dame reveals their 19th-century creation, which significantly altered the perception of this medieval cathedral. These sculptures transformed the 13th-century structure into a modern symbol, merging ancient artistry with contemporary interpretation. The book delves into the evolution of these iconic figures, highlighting their role in redefining the cathedral's identity and legacy.

Camille considers marginalia--in the cathedral, the court, the monastery--in direct and complex relation to the whole work. Ranging through the culture of the Middle Ages, he finds in the margins a distorted yet apt reflection of medieval conventions. It is here that medieval artists found room for experimentation, for parodying, modernizing, and questioning cultural authority without ever undermining it.