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La Sainte-Chapelle (English: The Holy Chapel) is a Gothic chapel on the Île de la Cité in the heart of Paris, France. It is perhaps the high point of the full tide of the rayonnante period of Gothic architecture.

Plan of Sainte Chapelle, Paris

La Sainte-Chapelle (English: The Holy Chapel) is a Gothic chapel on the Île de la Cité…

A flying buttress, or arc-boutant, is a specific type of buttress usually found on a religious building such as a cathedral. They are used to transmit the horizontal thrust of a vault across an intervening space (which might be an aisle, chapel or cloister), to a buttress outside the building. The employment of the flying buttress means that the load bearing walls can contain cut-outs, such as for large windows, that would otherwise seriously weaken them. Flying buttresses are often found in Gothic architecture.

Early Gothic Flying Buttress

A flying buttress, or arc-boutant, is a specific type of buttress usually found on a religious building…

A ribbed vault of the English type with divided groin-ribs and ridge-ribs.

English Style Ribbed Vault

A ribbed vault of the English type with divided groin-ribs and ridge-ribs.

A: Penetrations by small semi-circular vaults sprung from same level. B: Intersection by small semicircular vault sprung from higher level; groins form wavy line. C: Intersection by narrow pointed vault sprung from same level; groins are plane curves.

Vaults, Penetrations and Intersections

A: Penetrations by small semi-circular vaults sprung from same level. B: Intersection by small semicircular…

With the growth in size of the windows and the progressive suppression of the lateral walls of vaulted structures, stained glass came more and more generally into use. It stimulated the increase in the size of windows, and the suppression of the walls, and contributed greatly to the development of <em>tracery</em>. Its evolution can be traced from the simple coupling of twin windows under a single hood-mould or discharging arch (shown here), to the florid network of the fifteenth century.

Plate Tracery, Charlton-on-Oxmore

With the growth in size of the windows and the progressive suppression of the lateral walls of vaulted…

A Rose window (or Catherine window) is often used as a generic term applied to a circular window, but is especially used for those found in churches of the Gothic architectural style and being divided into segments by stone mullions and tracery. The name "rose window" was not used before the 17th century and according to the Oxford English Dictionary, among other authorities, comes from the English flower name rose.

Rose Window, Church of St. Ouen, Rouen

A Rose window (or Catherine window) is often used as a generic term applied to a circular window, but…

The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the West Front, is generally designed to create a powerful impression on the approaching worshipper, demonstrating both the might of God, and the might of the institution that it represents. Central to the facade is the main portal, often flanked by additional doors. There may be much other carving, often of figures in niches set into the mouldings around the portals, or in sculptural screens extending across the facade. Both internally and externally, the stonework is often richly decorated with carvings, particularly the capitals.

Early Gothic Carving

The facade of a large church or cathedral, often referred to as the West Front, is generally designed…

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. The word groin refers to the edge between the intersecting vaults; cf. ribbed vault. Sometimes the arches of groin vaults are pointed instead of round. In comparison with a barrel vault, a groin vault provides good economies of material and labour. The thrust is concentrated along the groins or arrises (the four diagonal edges formed along the points where the barrel vaults intersect), so the vault need only be abutted at its four corners.

Groined Vault with Zig-Zag Ridge-Joints

A groin vault or groined vault (also sometimes known as a double barrel vault or cross vault) is produced…

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

Bay of Abbey of St. Denis

A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault…

A French Gothic capital from Sainte Chapelle in Paris from the thirteenth century. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A French Gothic capital from Sainte Chapelle in Paris from the thirteenth century. The capitals were…

A fourteenth century capital from transept of Notre Dame, Paris. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A fourteenth century capital from transept of Notre Dame, Paris. The capitals were tall and slender,…

A fifteenth century capital from the north spire of Chartres. The capitals were tall and slender, concave in profile, with heavy square or octagonal abaci. After the middle of the thirteenth century the carving became more realistic; the leaves, larger and more mature, were treated as if applied to the capital or moulding, not as if they grew out of it.

French Gothic Capital

A fifteenth century capital from the north spire of Chartres. The capitals were tall and slender, concave…

A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. A wimperg is a German and Dutch word for a Gothic ornamental gable with tracery over windows or portals, which were often accompanied with pinnacles. It was a typical element in Gothic Architecture especially in cathedral architecture. Wimpergs often had crockets or other decorative elements in the Gothic style. The intention behind the wimperg was the perception of increased height.

Openwork Gable, From Front of Rouen Cathedral

A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. A wimperg…

The same gothic principles controlled the designing of houses, farm buildings, barns, granaries, and the like. The finest palaces are well represented by the Ducal Palace at Nancy (1476), the Hotel de Cluny at Paris (1485), and the Hotel Jacques at Bourges. These palaces are elaborately planned, with large halls, many staircases, and handsome courts; they are also extremely picturesque with their square and circular towers, slender turrets, elaborate dormers, and rich carved detail.

Hotel Jacques Coeur, Bourges

The same gothic principles controlled the designing of houses, farm buildings, barns, granaries, and…

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English cathedral with three spires. Architecturally, the choir (alt. spelling quire) is the area of a church or cathedral, usually in the western part of the chancel between the nave and the sanctuary (which houses the altar). A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay of Choir, Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral is situated in Lichfield, Staffordshire, England. It is the only medieval English…

The English treated woodwork with consummate skill. They invented and developed a variety of forms of roof-truss in which the proper distribution of the strains was combined with a highly decorative treatment of the several parts by carving, moulding, and arcading. The ceiling surfaces between the trusses were handled decoratively, and the oaken open-timber ceilings of many of the English churches and civic of academic halls are such noble and beautiful works as quite to justify the substitution of wooden for vaulted ceilings.

Roof of Nave, St. Mary's, Westonzoyland

The English treated woodwork with consummate skill. They invented and developed a variety of forms of…

The Catholic Cathedral of Limburg, also known as <em>Georgsdom</em> or <em>Limburger Dom</em> in German (English: Cathedral of St. George) after its dedication to Saint George, is one of the most accomplished buildings of the late Romanesque style. A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay of Limburg Cathedral

The Catholic Cathedral of Limburg, also known as Georgsdom or Limburger Dom in German…

The Elisabeth Church in Marburg was built by the Order of the Teutonic Knights in honor of Elisabeth of Hungary. Her tomb made the church an important pilgrimage destination in the late Middle Ages. The building is now a Protestant church.

Section of Elisabeth Church, Marburg, Germany

The Elisabeth Church in Marburg was built by the Order of the Teutonic Knights in honor of Elisabeth…

The Cathedral of St Martin (Italian Duomo) is a church in Lucca, Italy. It was begun in 1063 by Bishop Anselm (later Pope Alexander II). Of this structure, the great apse with its tall columnar arcades and the fine campanile remain. A bay is a module in classical or Gothic architecture, the distance between two supports of a vault or the unit of an opening and its framing on a fa&ccedil;ade.

One Bay, Nave of Lucca Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Martin (Italian Duomo) is a church in Lucca, Italy. It was begun in 1063 by Bishop…

The Nave of Bourges Cathedral in France showing the sexpartite vaulting, divided into six parts.

Sexpartite Vaulting

The Nave of Bourges Cathedral in France showing the sexpartite vaulting, divided into six parts.

The "clearstory window of St. Leu d'Esserent, France" showing a sexfoil window, of six petals. -Whitney, 1911

Clerestory

The "clearstory window of St. Leu d'Esserent, France" showing a sexfoil window, of six petals. -Whitney,…

In the fragment of a relief from Kuyunjik columns occur which rest on a cushion-shaped base on a lion's back, just as is the case in the doorways of Gothic churches.

Pillar on a Lion's Back

In the fragment of a relief from Kuyunjik columns occur which rest on a cushion-shaped base on a lion's…

The Gothic Leaf has a general naturalistic style but details that are idealized.

Gothic Leaf

The Gothic Leaf has a general naturalistic style but details that are idealized.

The Early Gothic Ornament design is found in Notre Dame, Paris.

Early Gothic Ornament

The Early Gothic Ornament design is found in Notre Dame, Paris.

The Early Gothic Ornament vine was a design found in Notre Dame, Paris.

Early Gothic Ornament Vine

The Early Gothic Ornament vine was a design found in Notre Dame, Paris.

The Gothic Heraldic Eagle was designed by French Architect Viollet-le-Duc.

Gothic Heraldic Eagle

The Gothic Heraldic Eagle was designed by French Architect Viollet-le-Duc.

This Gothic Heraldic Eagle comes from an oil painting.

Gothic Heraldic Eagle

This Gothic Heraldic Eagle comes from an oil painting.

This Gothic Heraldic Eagle was designed by Albrecht Durer.

Gothic Heraldic Eagle

This Gothic Heraldic Eagle was designed by Albrecht Durer.

The motto label is a found on the seal of the town of Schiltach, Germany. It has a Gothic inscription on the scroll "S. opidi schilttach".

Motto Label

The motto label is a found on the seal of the town of Schiltach, Germany. It has a Gothic inscription…

The gothic cresting border is a design that is found on the ridge or the top of a roof. Popular in France it is mostly a design of perforated work with the top having a varied mass shape.

Gothic Cresting Border

The gothic cresting border is a design that is found on the ridge or the top of a roof. Popular in France…

The modern gothic cresting border is made out of cast-iron. It is a design popular in France that is found on the ridge or the top of a roof. The design is a perforated work with a top having a varied mass shape.

Modern Gothic Cresting Border

The modern gothic cresting border is made out of cast-iron. It is a design popular in France that is…

The modern gothic finial is a three dimensional cross made out of stone. It serves to decorate Spires, Pinnacles and tombs.

Modern Gothic Finial

The modern gothic finial is a three dimensional cross made out of stone. It serves to decorate Spires,…

The early gothic finial is a three dimensional cross made out of stone. It serves to decorate Spires, Pinnacles and tombs.

Early Gothic Finial

The early gothic finial is a three dimensional cross made out of stone. It serves to decorate Spires,…

The french gothic finial is a three dimensional cross, made out of stone. It serves to decorate Spires, Pinnacles and tombs.

French Gothic Finial

The french gothic finial is a three dimensional cross, made out of stone. It serves to decorate Spires,…

This early gothic finial is a 13th century three dimensional cross. Made out of stone, it decorates the top of a cathedral found in Chatres, a town in north-central France.

Early Gothic Finial

This early gothic finial is a 13th century three dimensional cross. Made out of stone, it decorates…

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as termination in architecture and furniture.

Stone Knob Finial

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as…

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as termination in architecture and furniture.

Stone Knob Finial

The stone knob finial is an Italian Gothic design found in a Milan Cathedral. It is typically used as…

The early gothic boss rossette is made of three divisions. Designed in 1240, it is found in the royal palace of St. Chapelle Paris, France.

Early Gothic Boss Rosette

The early gothic boss rossette is made of three divisions. Designed in 1240, it is found in the royal…

The gothic hinge is found on a church door in Viersen, Germany. It is an extended strap hinge that is made of wrought metal-work.

Gothic Hinge

The gothic hinge is found on a church door in Viersen, Germany. It is an extended strap hinge that is…

This gothic hinge comes from a door of a cabinet in a town-hall in Zwolle, Netherlands. It is a strap-hinge that terminates as a leaf.

Gothic Hinge

This gothic hinge comes from a door of a cabinet in a town-hall in Zwolle, Netherlands. It is a strap-hinge…

The gothic hinge is a strap-hinge that terminates as a leaf.

Gothic Hinge

The gothic hinge is a strap-hinge that terminates as a leaf.

The late Gothic capital has an abacus that is octagonal with projected leaves. This capital has an appearance of an inverted bell.

Late Gothic Capital

The late Gothic capital has an abacus that is octagonal with projected leaves. This capital has an appearance…

The late Gothic capital has an abacus that is octagonal with projected leaves. This capital has an appearance of an inverted bell.

Late Gothic Capital

The late Gothic capital has an abacus that is octagonal with projected leaves. This capital has an appearance…

The modern Gothic parapet is a stone design of a wall-like barrier found on the edge of a roof or structure. This style includes tracery, a series of intersecting ribbed lines.

Modern Gothic Parapet

The modern Gothic parapet is a stone design of a wall-like barrier found on the edge of a roof or structure.…

The modern Gothic parapet is a stone design of a wall-like barrier found on the edge of a roof or structure. This style includes tracery, a series of intersecting ribbed lines.

Modern Gothic Parapet

The modern Gothic parapet is a stone design of a wall-like barrier found on the edge of a roof or structure.…

The Gothic console is a a type of support that tappers downwards like a pendant with a round plan. It is found in a commune in Vezelay, France.

Gothic Console

The Gothic console is a a type of support that tappers downwards like a pendant with a round plan. It…

The Gothic square panel is a 15th century design of tiles found in Bloxham church, England.

Gothic Square Panel

The Gothic square panel is a 15th century design of tiles found in Bloxham church, England.

This Gothic circular panel is a chip-carving found on an old cabinet.

Gothic Circular Panel

This Gothic circular panel is a chip-carving found on an old cabinet.

This modern circular panel is a early Gothic design.

Modern Circular Panel

This modern circular panel is a early Gothic design.

The Gothic boss circular panel is a 16th century design found in St. Benoit, Paris.

Gothic Boss Circular Panel

The Gothic boss circular panel is a 16th century design found in St. Benoit, Paris.

The Gothic circular panel is a design found on an old cabinet.

Gothic Circular Panel

The Gothic circular panel is a design found on an old cabinet.

This Gothic circular panel is a chip-carving found on an old cabinet.

Gothic Circular Panel

This Gothic circular panel is a chip-carving found on an old cabinet.

The Late Gothic table's top rests on two side-supports,their lower part is hollowed out that they touch the ground at four points. They are connected with each other by a longitudinal bar, held in positions by wedges.

Late Gothic Table

The Late Gothic table's top rests on two side-supports,their lower part is hollowed out that they touch…

The Late Gothic cabinet of the 15th Century was made of oak with tinned iron mounts. This cabinet is more lavish and flamboyant.

Late Gothic Cabinet

The Late Gothic cabinet of the 15th Century was made of oak with tinned iron mounts. This cabinet is…

Giotto's bell tower (campanile) stands on the Cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo) in Florence, Italy. This bell tower is one of the showpieces of the Florentine gothic style. Standing isolated next to the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore and in front of the Baptistery of St. John, this splendid construction attracts the eye and the admiration of every art lover by its design, rich sculptural decorations and the many-coloured marble encrustations.

Giotto's Campanile

Giotto's bell tower (campanile) stands on the Cathedral square (Piazza del Duomo) in Florence, Italy.…

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from Wells Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Gothic Capitals

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from Wells Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture including…

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from from Amiens Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture including Classical architecture, the capital (from the Latin caput, 'head') forms the crowning member of a column or a pilaster. The capital projects on each side as it rises, in order to support the abacus and unite the form of the latter (normally square) with the circular shaft of the column.

Gothic Capitals

An illustration of a Gothic capitals from from Amiens Cathedral. In several traditions of architecture…

An illustration of the floor plan of Chartres Cathedral. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, (French: Cath&eacute;drale Notre-Dame de Chartres), located in Chartres, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) southwest of Paris, is considered one of the finest examples in all France of the Gothic style of architecture.

Chartres Cathedral

An illustration of the floor plan of Chartres Cathedral. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, (French:…

An illustration of the floor plan of Sens Cathedral. Sens Cathedral, Cathedral of St. &Eacute;tienne or St. Stephen's Cathedral, Sens (Cath&eacute;drale Saint-&Eacute;tienne de Sens) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Sens, Bourgogne. One of the earliest Gothic buildings in France, it was begun in 1140 and belongs mainly to the 12th century, but was not complete until early in the 16th century. The architecture of its choir influenced, through the architect William of Sens, that of the choir of Canterbury Cathedral.

Sens Cathedral

An illustration of the floor plan of Sens Cathedral. Sens Cathedral, Cathedral of St. Étienne…

The Lincoln Cathedral in England is an example of early English Gothic architecture during medieval times.

Lincoln Cathedral

The Lincoln Cathedral in England is an example of early English Gothic architecture during medieval…