Chap. IV. PRINCIPLES OF PllOPOIlTION.

1035
The Rose Window
?'?;
the Suulh Transept at Amic?ts, 29 fuct G inches in (.liaiucter
upon two squares, which cross each other diagonally.
Fig. iS'J'i. ASIIENS CATHEDRAL : SOUTH TRAKSEl'T.
Sixteen divisions are employed in this finjure, and by crossing as many squares, we .^rIi>e
at the method by which it is set out ; each side of tlie square is equal to the radius by
which the master line on the outer bead or circle is struck : wliere the squares cross each
other are the divisions of the pattern, and their several points are the centres upon which
the i)ointed arches are struck, which surround the outer portion of the rose.
Where the lines of the squares cross, in the interior of the figure, the smaller divisions
are established, and their points of intersection serve for centres to strike the lesser curves
;
to show this clearly the whole must be set out, and drawn to a large scale.
The architecture of France underwent a material change after the thirteenth century
;
the heads of tlie windows were no longer filled with tracery composed of six foil.s, generally
three in each window, but branched out into a more running pattern, as practised in
several parts of England. The fourteenth century not only exhibits windows of more
difficult design, but an apparent absence of the principles by which the several parts were
])roi)ortioned to each other. Before the Perpendicular style appeared, great progress liad
been luade in the groining of the spacious vaults of the naves, as well as those of the side
aisles. After the fan tracery was substituted in England, the windows had straight
mullions ascending till they intersected the arch
;
and we liave no further display of the
varied figures that everywhere prevailed before: geometry was now exercised upon the
intricacies which tlieir surprising vaults exhibited. It is somewhat singular that we never
find the beauties of a previous era retained, and blended with that which succeeded.
For the .SOO years during which the Pointed style continued to flourish, each half century
gave to it a new character
; hence we have seldom any difficulty in establishing its date

all these changes resulted from an improved knowledge in tlie art of construction. The
lodges of freemasons were gradually approaching the principles which directed the effbrta
of the architects of the Byzantine school, and which were fuund too refilled and delicate to
be practised out of Italy after the eleventh cjutury.