Gothic
Cathedrals
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.