What term describes the decorative curving stone or wood elements in Gothic architecture?

What term describes the decorative curving stone or wood elements in Gothic architecture?

• A. Grotesque
• B. Moulding
• C. Archivolt
• D. Tracery

Answer: (D)

Tracery describes the decorative curving stone or wood elements that form the intricate openwork patterns in Gothic windows. These slender bars and curvilinear shapes create a lace-like network that divides the window into panes and defines its elegant silhouette, while also helping to distribute weight to support large expanses of glass. The other terms refer to different features: grotesque are carved figures, moulding is general decorative trim, and archivolt is the ornamental molding around an arch.

Tracery describes the decorative curving stone or wood elements that form the intricate openwork patterns in Gothic windows. These slender bars and curvilinear shapes create a lace-like network that divides the window into panes and defines its elegant silhouette, while also helping to distribute weight to support large expanses of glass. The other terms refer to different features: grotesque are carved figures, moulding is general decorative trim, and archivolt is the ornamental molding around an arch.