FREE ESSAY ON GOTHIC CATHEDRALS

GOTHIC CATHEDRALS

tracery - In architecture, branching, ornamental stonework, generally in a window, where
it supports the glass. 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.