tracery is without any doubt the most independent form of gothic ornamentation. the underlying idea is an attempt to structure the stained glass windows of churches that became bigger and bigger, and to equip them with a stable framework that could withstand even strong wind pressure. tracery was invented in the 1220s at the reims cathedral construction site and quickly spread throughout europe, with ornamental forms becoming increasingly complex. after the czech and south german parler school invented new, curved forms, the further development in whole europe proceeded much freer and more diverse. in the latest stages of gothic architecture around and after 1500, besides elaborate flamboyant compositions, even maybe somewhat ironic rectangular grid patterns (see top row, third picture from the left) are possible. pay attention: some of the featured examples are neo-gothic

this poster is available in black and white.