Rayonnant

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Rayonnant is a term used to describe the rose windows typical of Gothic cathedrals. In ideal gothic aesthetics, the petals of the rose radiate from the center of the window, thus the term "rayonnant" (from the French word meaning "to radiate").

In a broader sense, the term can also be used to describe a small period in the French Gothic architectural style circa 1240-50. Following from High Gothic (1220 – 1250), Rayonnant buildings took the ideas underpinning the French Gothic movement to their most accomplished level. Gothic architecture is characterised by light and Rayonnant takes this to the extreme with buildings being so transparent that they appear lace-like from the exterior. The viewer can see through the walls of the building at many different perspectives.

The best example of Rayonnant architecture is La Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. This chapel was built for Louis IX's personnel use and, whilst being quite enclosed in the lower story, is practically all glazed in the second story.