Flamboyant-Gothic
Flamboyant-Gothic is a style of Gothic architecture that emerged in the late 14th century and continued until the 16th century. This style is characterized by its ornate, flame-like details, giving it a particularly intricate and decorative appearance compared to earlier Gothic forms. Here are key points about the Flamboyant-Gothic:
- Origin and Development: The Flamboyant style originated in France, particularly in regions like Normandy and Île-de-France. It developed as a final phase of Gothic architecture, evolving from the Rayonnant style, which itself was known for its light and elaborate decorations.
- Architectural Features:
- Flaming Tracery: The most distinctive feature of Flamboyant-Gothic is the use of flaming tracery, where window mullions and other stone elements are carved to resemble flames or wavy lines. This gives the windows a flowing, almost liquid appearance.
- Complex Vaulting: Vaults in this style often feature intricate designs with ribs that seem to twist and turn, creating a dynamic ceiling space.
- Excessive Ornamentation: There is a significant increase in decorative elements, including pinnacles, crockets, finials, and elaborate sculptural details.
- Vertical Emphasis: Although verticality is a hallmark of Gothic architecture, Flamboyant-Gothic further emphasizes this through slender, elongated forms, and by stacking multiple levels of decoration.
- Examples:
- Rouen Cathedral in France, with its flamboyant west front, showcases the style's complexity.
- Saint-Maclou in Rouen, known for its intricately carved façade.
- Milan Cathedral in Italy, although not entirely Flamboyant, incorporates elements of this style in its later additions.
- Decline: The Flamboyant style began to wane with the advent of the Renaissance, which favored a return to classical simplicity and symmetry. However, elements of Flamboyant-Gothic continued to influence Late Gothic architecture in various parts of Europe.
- Influence: Although it was a relatively short-lived style, Flamboyant-Gothic influenced later architectural movements, particularly in the Neo-Gothic revival of the 19th century, where architects sought to replicate the ornate, decorative aspects of this style.
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