Quatrefoils: A Closer Look at this Superb Architectural Element

The Quatrefoil is a decorative element that consists of four, partially overlapping, symmetrical circles of the same diameter. The Latin origin of the word means four leaves, describing its shape. It became a prominent design in Gothic architecture (1100AD-1700AD), where it was used in tracery and stained-glass windows and appeared in medieval heraldry, regarded as a symbol of good luck. Since it is dividable into equal sections, it’s said to symbolise harmony, symmetry, and proportion. Some buildings that incorporate this include The Alamo (Texas), Kirkpatrick Chapel (Rutgers University), and Doge’s Palace (Venice, Italy).

Origins

Scholars are unsure of where the quatrefoil originated but it is said to have first been used in Mexico around 700 BCE. It has been around since before the Common Era and was seen in ancient Mayan civilizations as representing the underworld.

The quatrefoil shape appeared in Islamic structures across the middle east dating before the Renaissance, and presumably made its way to Europe by way of the Silk Road. It was carved and printed on small and easily transportable objects such as carpets, velvets, and silks brought into Europe as luxury objects.

In Christianity, the symbol was adopted to represent the four gospels of the bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as also seen as a representation of the cross. In Native America, the quatrefoil is a representation of their ‘Holy four corners of the Earth- North, East, South and West’.

Construction

1. The quatrefoil is drawn by first drawing a large circle
2. Next, divide the large circle diagonally into four equal sectors
3. Then, add a vertical and horizontal intersecting line through the middle, these are all construction lines to help you
4. A small circle is then drawn in one sector, ensure it connects the middle point of the circle and the point where the edge of the circle and the horizontal/vertical line (corresponding to that sector) intersect
5. Repeat this process in the other three sectors
6. Finally, clean up the construction lines and the overlapping lines within the four smaller circles to create your quatrefoil

If you would prefer to watch a video, you can watch a YouTube tutorial by clicking here.