The north rose window at Chartres
The north window at Chartres has understandably received much attention over
the years. It is a true tour de force of geometry wedded to symbolism. As I said in the original Rose Windows the window is constructed
according a number of principles of superimposed geometries in which the number 12 plays an important role. As
the product of 3 and 4, the former symbolizing spirit (the Trinity) and the latter matter (the Elements) the twelve
lights of the window represent all the possible combinations of 4 and 3, symbolizing the total infusion of matter
with spirit throughout the cosmos of which the rose window is itself a model. This is carried into the geometry
by the play of squares and triangles as the following geometrical figures show:- 1
2
3
4
5
[The presence of the Fibonacci series in the window, as I suggested in the original Rose Widows and hinted at in diagram 5 above, has yet to be proven. My original account has been found wanting by a number of commentators!]
An analysis by John Michelle and Michael S. Schneider is also convincing. He creates the window from first principles, the main structural circle being outside the perimeter of the actual rose:-
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For a full explanation of this as well as some splendid commenets on sacred architecture see Michael Schneider's web site at xxxxxxxxx .