The tracery in the cathedral’s choir – an avant-garde form in the architecture of 13th-century Wrocław

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The tracery in the cathedral’s choir – an avant-garde form in the architecture of 13th-century Wrocław

Journal Title: Architectus - Year 2018, Vol 22, Issue 1

Abstract

The topic of the article is the morphological analysis and interpretation of the traceries of the choir of the cathedral in Wrocław. The tracery of the east window of the presbytery is particularly interesting, in its couronnement appears a ninelobe open rosette of a “drop” shape. There is no other tracery of this kind or a close analogy which would be dated prior to the time of the creation of this window (before 1268). Its complicated and unusual form prompts us to ask a number of questions – about its authenticity, its dating or genesis, and its place in Gothic architecture. The material structure was reconstructed after the destruction of World War II according to the prewar state, which probably corresponded to the medieval shape. Based on the analysis of forms, it can be stated that the builders operating in Wrocław were familiar with the latest developments in the design of traceries, among others, that of cathedrals of Paris, Amiens and Cologne. As in the case of sculptural details, there are no stylistic delays in relation to the leading centers. The tracery of Wrocław, whose main motif is a ninelobe open rosette, is not a passive reception of western influences and achievements, but a highly individual creation based on a thorough mastery of the geometrical way of design by an architect searching for original solutions. Unconventional, innovative creations appeared simultaneously in Minden and in Pforta, however, these are parallel phenomena and not the prototypes for the Wrocław design. Their common sources are the centers of Gothic architecture in northern France.

Authors and Affiliations

Jarosław Jarzewicz

Keywords

EP ID EP290156
DOI 10.5277/arc180102
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