Rose window

As a rose window (also simple: Rose) or rosette a circular glazed window is denoted by Maßwerkfüllung in architecture. Rose windows are mainly found in Gothic churches.

Demarcation

When are arranged around a central point or ring on the rose like a spoked small columns or profiles, it is called wheel window or Katharinenrad (after Saint Catherine ). Already a rose window in the Romanesque period known as the " Wheel of Fortune" at the Basel Münster, symbolizing the vicissitudes of earthly happiness. A circular or oval window opening without any filling problem is called ox-eye or oculus. Many Gothic rose windows are oriented significantly and for a long time on the basic ideas of the rose window from which they distance themselves clearly only in the flamboyant roses of late Gothic.

Rose windows

Maßwerkrosen with sometimes very large dimensions ( 13 meters in diameter ) emerged in the Gothic style. They are usually fitted centrally over the main entrance on the west side or in the transept facades and can even take up the entire facade width, such as in the transepts of Notre- Dame de Paris cathedral.

Symbolism

The centered position of the rose window has a strong, evocative and meditative effect. She looks extremely gorgeous (especially when colored glass is used ), powerful, beautiful, soothing and harmonious. It stimulates due to its ideal circular shape again and again to symbolic interpretations. You can embody the perfection of yourself spreading in all directions love of the Divine. The ornate architectural structure of the Rose often plays with elements of numbers and circle symbolism to make the presence of God in the world or the life cycle experienced visually. The radial radiance of Maßwerkbahnen reminiscent of the sun and causes here to further interpretations. This arrangement gave the French High Gothic style term for " rayonnant " (that is radiant, double rayon = beam ) the name.

Pictures

Romanesque " Wheel of Fortune" at the Basel Münster

Rose in Ebrach monastery in Bavaria, Exterior

Rose in Ebrach monastery, interior view

Gothic Rose in Paris Notre Dame Cathedral

South side of Notre -Dame with the outside view of the rose shown on the left

North Rose of Notre -Dame at dusk

Rose of Strasbourg Cathedral, with 13.6 meters in diameter, one of the largest in Europe

Rose on the east side of the La Seu Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca

Modern rose window above the portal of St. Pius ( Wiedenbrück )