Which term describes Gothic tracery that allows light to pass through?

Which term describes Gothic tracery that allows light to pass through?

• A. Opaque tracery
• B. Clair voir
• C. Fretwork
• D. Rib vaulting

Answer: (B)

The concept here is how Gothic window tracery can be open enough to let light pass through. The term clair-voie describes pierced or openwork sections in window tracery that create large openings, allowing light to stream into the interior. It literally refers to a “clear way” for light through the wall, making interiors brighter and more illuminated. The other terms don’t capture this specific idea: opaque tracery would block light with heavy stone; fretwork is a general decorative openwork not necessarily tied to windows or light transmission; rib vaulting is about the ceiling’s structural framework, not the tracery that governs light through openings. So clair-voie is the best fit for describing light-passing Gothic tracery.

The concept here is how Gothic window tracery can be open enough to let light pass through. The term clair-voie describes pierced or openwork sections in window tracery that create large openings, allowing light to stream into the interior. It literally refers to a “clear way” for light through the wall, making interiors brighter and more illuminated. The other terms don’t capture this specific idea: opaque tracery would block light with heavy stone; fretwork is a general decorative openwork not necessarily tied to windows or light transmission; rib vaulting is about the ceiling’s structural framework, not the tracery that governs light through openings. So clair-voie is the best fit for describing light-passing Gothic tracery.