Everything about Quatrefoil totally explained
The word
quatrefoil etymologically means "four leaves", and applies to general four-lobed shapes in various contexts.
In heraldry
In
heraldic terminology, a quatrefoil is a representation of a flower with four petals, or a leaf with four leaflets (such as a four-leaf clover). It is sometimes shown "slipped", for example with an attached stalk. However, it isn't defined as a flower, but called a "foil".
In architecture/symbolism
In architecture and traditional Christian symbolism, a quatrefoil is a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially-overlapping circles of the same diameter. Two common types of quatrefoil are shown in the first two images below (click on the images for larger illustrations, and explanation of the geometry involved):
Image:Quatrefoil-Architectural.png|With more overlap
Image:Quatrefoil-Architectural-alternate.svg|With less overlap
Image:Quatrefoil-Architectural-Square.svg|Combined with square
The quatrefoil enjoyed its peak popularity during the Gothic Revival and
Renaissance, but can still be seen on countless churches and cathedrals today. It is most commonly found as
tracery, mainly in
Gothic architecture, where a quatrefoil can often be seen at the top of a Gothic arch, sometimes with
stained glass on the interior.
In art, the quatrefoil is a type of decorative framework (mainly used in engraving), consisting of an architectural quatrefoil combined with a square (just as the
trefoil is often combined with an equilateral triangle), as seen in the image on the right above. Among the most famous works of art employing the quatrefoil are bronze panels on the North Doors of the
Baptistery in
Florence by
Lorenzo Ghiberti (also
Filippo Brunelleschi's equally famous competition entry for the same doors,
The Sacrifice of Isaac) and "Head of an Angel" by
Piero della Francesca.
Military
The word quatrefoil can also refer to a four-pointed decoration on the top of a warrant or commissioned Marine officer's dress and service caps. Tradition tells that the design was first used on sailing ships so that Marine sharpshooters in the rigging didn't shoot their own officers on the deck.
Sorority
The quatrefoil is also the national symbol of the women's fraternity
Phi Mu (a member of the
National Panhellenic Conference.)
Four-leaf clover
The
four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Quatrefoil'.
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