Phase of late Gothic architecture in
15th-century France and Spain. It evolved out of the Rayonnant style's
increasing emphasis on decoration. Its most conspicuous feature is the
dominance in stone window tracery of a flamelike S-shaped curve. Wall
surface was reduced to the minimum to allow an almost continuous window
expanse. Structural logic was obscured by covering buildings with elaborate
tracery. Attractive French examples include Notre-Dame d'Épine near Châlons-sur-Marne,
Saint-Maclou in Rouen (c. 1500 – 14), and the northern spire of Chartres
Cathedral. Spanish Flamboyant architects developed their own intricate forms
of vaulting with curvilinear patterns; the Capilla del Condestable in Burgos
Cathedral (1482 – 94) and Segovia Cathedral (begun 1525) provide examples.
Flamboyant Gothic, which became increasingly ornate, gave way in France to
Renaissance forms in the 16th century.