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Glossary

Triptychs

A triptych is a painting made up of three sections. Such constructions are usually made of two 'wings' or 'shutters' attached to either side of a central panel.

Sometimes the panels are hinged so that the wings can be closed to protect the major image painted in the middle.

The scale of triptychs varies enormously; they range from small works for domestic devotion to major altarpieces.