Gothic Cathedrals Essay, Research Paper

Tracery is particularly characteristic of Gothic architecture. Example:

The tracery in a rose window of Washington Cathedral, Washington, DC. This

graphic displays four different photos– they amount to a zoom into the tracery.

Also see fenestration, foil, quatrefoil, and stained glass. rose window – Large

circular windows of tracery and stained glass found in Gothic cathedrals. Also

called a wheel window. Examples: transept – An aisle between the apse and nave.

It cuts across the nave and side aisles to form a cross-shaped floor plan. Also

see architecture, cathedral, and Gothic. nave – The major, central part of a

church where the congregation gathers. It leads from the main entrance to the

altar and choir, and is usually flanked by side aisles. An example: A photo of

the nave of the cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France, as seen upon entering

it from the narthex, and looking toward the altar. The ceiling’s vaults are

visible above. Light is entering the nave through stained glass windows. Also

see column and pier. aisle – A long, narrow space on either side of the nave of

a church, usually between a row of columns or piers and the outer wall. It is

often referred to as a side aisle. choir – The part of a church where services

are sung. It is usually east of the transept, and within the chancel, but may

extend into the nave. chancel – The part of a church reserved for clergy and

containing the altar and the choir. ltarpiece or altar-piece – A piece of

artwork which is placed above and either on or behind an altar in a Christian

church or other religious platform. Usually it is a votive painting, a set of

painted and/or carved panels (often a triptych), or a decorative screen.