High Gothic Architecture

A style called High Gothic was created at the end of the 1100's. Chartres Cathedral and the cathedrals at Bourges, Reims, and Amiens in France represent some of the finest examples of the High Gothic style. All are significant for their enormous height.

By the mid-1200's the taste for gigantic structure had passed. At the same time, the skill of designers and the technical ability of carvers led to a new elegance and a desire for more elaborate decorations, particularly in window tracery.

A new style known as Rayonnant also became popular during the High Gothic period. It was named for the radiating geometric patterns of large rose windows. The most brilliant example of the Rayonnant style is the Ste.-Chapelle in Paris.

Excerpt adapted from the "Gothic art" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999