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What shapes were used in Decorated Gothic window tracery?
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Gothic art
Exterior view of Chartres Cathedral, France.
In the English Decorated Gothic style, window tracery evolved through two primary phases of geometric and curvilinear design:
- Early patterns: Initially, tracery was composed of combinations of the trefoil, quatrefoil, the arch, and the circle. These shapes were integrated to create complex, netlike patterns within the window openings.1
- Later patterns: As the style progressed, designers began to utilize the ogee, or S-shaped curve. This transition introduced flowing, flamelike forms that replaced the earlier, more rigid geometric configurations.1
These developments allowed for the creation of windows of significant height and width, which were divided by mullions into multiple main subdivisions, each further embellished by these intricate tracery shapes.1