This Haunted Face

One of a pair of decorative heads carved on a Willett Street facade, this face has eroded badly and looks quite eerie. 

397 State Street

The work of architect Henry Hobson Richardson (best known locally for City Hall), the Grange Sard house is rich with details, including this decorative carving above the arched entrance.  It features a coiled snake, two fierce stylized animal heads, and two human faces which are said to be likenesses of stove manufacturer Grange Sard, Jr. and his wife. 

High Up and Looking West

While the gargoyle is what usually catches one's eye from street lever, the west side of the tower on St. Peter's Episcopal Church features still more carved faces.  Here, another six of them stare up State Street towards the Capitol.

Faces In High Places

I was sitting on the corner of State and Lodge Street over the weekend, staring idly up at the gargoyles on the bell tower of Saint Peter's Episcopal Church. I love finding face and whimsical carvings on old building and, sure enough, tiny features caught my eye.

At first, though, I wasn't even sure if it was indeed a face because the carving was so high. But look below the gargoyle's foot and to the left. There's a man's face with a sober expression and a jaunty hat.

There are other carving up there, too...fanciful little creatures. And on the pinnacle just above the gargoyle, looking out into the blue sky, there's a head reminiscent of an Indian Head penny.

I really appreciate these wonderful details which artisans carved in place where few people would even see them.

Another Stone Face

There are quite a few stone faces hidden around downtown Albany. Once you start to notice them, you never know when you'll look up and find another one staring down at you. Of course, the State Capitol's exterior has a number of such decorative faces and there's the pair I recently encountered on State Street.

This plump face with its pockmarked stone skin and draped Renaissance-style hat is tucked high above a side-entrance to City Hall on Corning Place. Its expression is one of indifference...or maybe just plain boredom.