Triptych
A painting or carving made on three panels, often used as an altarpiece in churches.
What is it?
A triptych is a work of art divided into three sections, or panels. The middle panel is usually the largest and most important. The side panels, called wings, often show related scenes or saints. Triptychs were common in medieval and Renaissance churches. They were placed on altars and could be folded shut. The painting you saw is a triptych with Mary and Jesus in the center and saints on the wings.
Why it matters
Triptychs helped tell religious stories in a special way. The three panels work together like a storybook. They also show the skill of artists who could make the panels match perfectly.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more triptychs.
