Gothic Rose Window

The north rose window from Notre Dame in Paris combines nature and geometry beautifully. The concentric circles divided into sections resembles petals of a flower, as well as the figures around the bottom curves of the main circle. At the end of each "petal" there is a circle that contains figures of saints and religious figures. Apart from the figures in the circles, the rose window is decorated with geometric and organic designs. The tracery alone is stunning in the rose window, the stained glass adds beautiful colors and detail to the window. Nature was considered valuable enough to be included in an elaborate cathedral, but only in a modified organized form. Symmetry and order were more desirable than a realistic version of a flower.