lancetfönster

A lancet window is a tall, narrow window with a sharply pointed arch at its apex. This architectural feature is characteristic of Gothic architecture, particularly during the Early English Gothic period, roughly from the late 12th to the mid-13th century. Lancet windows are typically found in ecclesiastical buildings like cathedrals and churches, but can also appear in secular structures of the period.

These windows are named after the lancet, a type of surgical knife, due to their elongated and pointed shape. They are usually single-light openings, meaning they consist of one pane of glass. However, several lancet windows can be grouped together, often side-by-side, separated by slender stone mullions. This grouping, known as a lancet group or a triplet, can create a visually striking effect, allowing for more light to enter the interior.

The simplicity and elegance of the lancet window contrast with the more elaborate tracery found in later Gothic styles. The pointed arch of the lancet allowed for greater height and a more directed flow of structural forces compared to the rounded arches of Romanesque architecture. While simple in form, the lancet window played a significant role in the development of Gothic aesthetics and structural innovation. Their slim profile and pointed shape contribute to the vertical emphasis prominent in Gothic design.