Gothic rose in architecture

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

Rose window most often refers to a general term that unites such an architectural phenomenon as a round window. Most often it is decorated with stained glass. The term "Gothic rose" is especially famous, since this technique was especially popular during the period of the Gothic style in architecture.

Short description

For the first time, the phrase "rose window" appeared in the 17th century and was related to the Gothic round window, often found on the facades of Gothic and Romanesque churches. This architectural technique got its name due to the similarity of the “multi-petal” and symmetrical stained-glass window with the English rose, which, especially at that time, meant the wild rose flower.

Gothic rose in architecture is especially characteristic of the Gothic style, but is not limited to it. Round windows were observed in the structure of temples, churches and other structures from ancient times, throughout the Middle Ages and especially during the Neo-Gothic period. That is why the large rounded window is found all over the world in buildings of various purposes, ages and styles.

Origin

The roots of the Gothic rose go back to the Roman oculus - a large round hole designed to let in not only light, but also air into the room. Mostthe famous oculus is located in the Roman Pantheon, at the very top of the dome. In early Christian and Byzantine architecture, round oculuses were used either on the tops of domes or on low pediments. A round window with a stone frame also appeared in antiquity, but rare options have survived to this day. As for the geometric pattern of roses, it was extremely developed in Roman mosaics.

Styles and types

The rose window comes in several varieties, among which there are four main ones:

• Oculus is the simplest round window without curly binding. Example: Roman Pantheon.
• A simple rose is a circle in the center, along the edges of which there are arches in the form of petals. Example: The Rector's Eye at Lincoln Cathedral.

• The wheel is a round window with symmetrical spokes. It is also called Catherine's rose in honor of St. Catherine, who was tortured on a wheel. Example: Lucera Cathedral, Italy.
• Gothic rose - a round window with an intricate design, often embellished with stained glass. It looks like a blooming rose. Example: Notre Dame Cathedral.

Of course, over time, some other types of Gothic roses appeared, such as oval and elliptical baroque windows, but the above types are the most commonly used.

Window size

Initially, the windows were small and gradually moved from Romanesque to Gothic. Over time, the Gothic rose began to occupymore and more space on the facades of buildings, giving lightness to stone structures. After the completion of Notre Dame Cathedral, these windows became almost an integral part of the architectural style, much like columns, lancet windows and flying buttresses. However, compared to the further development of this type of window, the famous rose of Notre Dame is not such a big window, especially compared to the facades of Chartres or Saint-Denis.

History and development of the Gothic rose

Despite the fact that the origins of the rose window go deep into antiquity, it received its modern form and popularity thanks to Gothic architecture, so it makes sense to follow the development of this form, from the early Gothic period to the present.

• Early Gothic is characterized by a relatively simple rose shape, mainly using the structure of the wheel and clear geometric shapes: circles, triangles and squares. It was this style that gained the most popularity during the Neo-Gothic, probably due to its simplicity and showiness.
• High Gothic is characterized by a more complex design with a large number of racks and divisions, with complex shapes and a complex stained glass composition. In addition, the size of roses began to increase, and entire arches of the transverse naves began to be assigned to them.
• Flaming Gothic is characterized by ornate patterns reminiscent of flames, hence the name. This trend was vividly reflected in the round windows of the formative period of the style. Weaving patternsbranches of lianas and roundings of the Latin S, decorate the Gothic stained-glass window. The rose otherwise differs little in its shapes and sizes.



• The Renaissance was distinguished by its desire to shake off the "dullness" of the Dark Ages, so almost all Gothic elements ceased to be actively used, giving way to the classics. However, the rose found its continuation in the form of simple oculuses, occasionally decorating the facades and domes of Renaissance buildings.
• The Baroque style ventured to change the shape of the rose, leaning towards oval windows with simple, uncomplicated designs, often without stained glass at all.

In modern architecture, the simple and uncomplicated style of the oculus is most often used. With the exception of the Neo-Gothic, during the Art Nouveau period, the Gothic rose became an architectural luxury and rarity.

Symbolism

During the Gothic period, the object of the image of a stained-glass window-rose most often became Judgment Day. The Gothic rose was placed in the arch above the western entrance to the temple, which could be the reason for choosing the theme, since it was the western wall that was usually dedicated to the theme of the Last Judgment.

Over time, roses began to appear on the naves, where at least one of them was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The connection of the Gothic rose with the symbol of the Mother of Christ is also supported by the fact that Mary is often called the "Mystical Rose" and the symbol is attributed to her - a wild rose flower. However, such symbolism appeared long before the window was called a rose.