Form and Structure:
* Curvilinear Forms: The defining characteristic is its use of flame-like curves and S-shaped forms in tracery, vaulting, and architectural elements. This creates a sense of dynamism and fluidity.
* Elaborate Tracery: Windows are filled with intricate, flowing patterns of stonework, known as tracery. These often resemble flames or intricate woven designs, giving the style its name.
* Ribbed Vaults: Ceilings feature elaborate ribbed vaulting systems, often with intricate patterns and keystones. These vaults are more complex and visually dynamic than those of earlier Gothic styles.
* Ogee Arches: Pointed arches, often with a reversed curve at the top, are a key feature of Flamboyant Gothic.
Ornamentation:
* Intricate Detailing: Flamboyant Gothic is highly ornamented, with a focus on fine, detailed carvings and sculptures.
* Pinacles and Crockets: Spiky pinnacles and small, ornate decorations called crockets adorn the exterior of buildings, adding to the verticality and visual richness.
* Gables and Towers: Buildings often feature elaborate gables (triangular roof sections) and tall, slender towers that emphasize the upward reach of the architecture.
* Sculptures and Statuary: Flamboyant Gothic structures often incorporate elaborate sculptures and statuary, depicting biblical figures, saints, and other symbolic imagery.
Style and Function:
* Emphasis on Verticality: The style emphasizes height and upward movement, creating a sense of grandeur and aspiration.
* Light and Space: Despite its ornate features, Flamboyant Gothic buildings still prioritize the use of light and spacious interiors, a characteristic of the Gothic style in general.
* Decoration Over Functionality: Flamboyant Gothic sometimes prioritizes elaborate decoration over practical considerations, leading to a less structural and more aesthetically driven approach.
* French Origins: While influenced by other Gothic styles, Flamboyant Gothic is primarily a French development, with examples found throughout the country, particularly in cathedrals and royal palaces.
Notable Examples:
* Chartres Cathedral: While primarily in the Early Gothic style, it has notable Flamboyant additions, including the stained glass windows of the south transept.
* Rouen Cathedral: One of the most iconic examples, with a particularly dramatic west facade featuring elaborate Flamboyant tracery and pinnacles.
* Saint-Chapelle in Paris: A masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic, it showcases an exuberant use of stained glass and delicate stonework.
* Amiens Cathedral: Offers a blend of Early Gothic and Flamboyant Gothic styles, particularly in the choir and ambulatory.
Flamboyant Gothic represents the culmination of the Gothic style, pushing its ornate features to their limits. It stands as a testament to the creativity and artistic ambition of its time.