Triptych
Definition, History: Three-Panel Altarpiece.
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Triptych
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TriptychContents • What is a Triptych? |
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The term "triptych" - whose name stems from the Greek for "three folds" - is used in fine art to describe a painting which consists of three parts, usually comprising a larger central panel and two wings that are hinged together so that the wings fold over the centre when closed. Sometimes there is a base, called a predella, below the central panel. These hinged panel paintings were one of the most popular forms of altarpiece art from the medieval era on. Like stained glass art, as well as mosaics and illusionist mural painting - known as quadratura - painted altarpieces (whether in diptych, triptych or polyptych format) served to inspire and educated Christian congregations with Biblical art from the Old Testament and the Gospels. This type of Christian art first appeared in early Eastern Orthodox churches: indeed it became a regular feature of Christian Art in the Byzantine Era (c.400-1200). Later they were popular in Gothic art (notably in Germany until the late 16th century), as well as in medieval painting of the trecento and quattrocento when a new format became popular - the Madonna and Child with Saints ("Sacra Conversazione"). Triptych paintings were also common in the Netherlandish Renaissance (1430-1580): perhaps the two best-known examples are Portinari Altarpiece (1476-79, Uffizi) by Hugo Van Der Goes (1440-82); and the Garden of Earthly Delights (1500-05, Prado, Madrid) by Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516). Triptychs may also be wholly carved. This type of 3-part wood carving was most popular in German Gothic art. In addition, the format is also known in Jewellery art, in the ornamentation of Romanesque plaques, caskets and vessels, as illustrated by the Stavelot Triptych. Triptychs are also an occasional feature of modern art: famous exponents include Max Beckmann (1884-1950) and Francis Bacon (1909-92). Twentieth-century triptychs are also occasionally seen in contemporary Art Photography, and in Video Art, see, for example, the Nantes Triptych (1992) by Bill Viola. |
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In addition to the two cited above, here are a list of religious paintings created in triptych format during the 14th century, the Italian and Northern Renaissance, and the Baroque: • Holy Virgin with St. Dominic
and St. Aurea (1300) National Gall, London. Famous Modern Triptychs Celebrated triptych paintings produced by 20th century artists, include: • Water Lilies (c.1919) Museum
of Modern Art, New York. - Venetian Altarpieces (1500-1600) |
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• For more terms, see: Painting
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