Triptychs

A triptych ( TRIP-tik) is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections, or three carved panels that are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is therefore a type of polyptych, the term for all multi-panel works. The middle panel is typically the largest and flanked by two smaller related works, although there are triptychs of equal-sized panels. The form can also be used for pendant jewelry. Beyond its usual meaning in the visual arts, the term is sometimes used as a title or descriptive term in other arts media such as music or the performing arts for works with three parts.