Triptych (Tim Chr ist ie & Hamish Blakely)
A work of art consisting of three panel sections, usually hinged together vertically. The term was traditionally applied to painting or relief panels, and often depicted religious scenes. Although today it’s also used to refer to artworks in other media like photography or video, which may not necessarily be hinged or fastened together but intended to be presented as one. The word triptych comes from Greek adjective triptukhon ( tri , meaning three and ptysso , meaning to fold). Usually the largest middle panel is flanked by two smaller related artworks (originally the two smaller flanking sections would close together to protect the middle image) but triptychs consisting of equal-sized panels also exist. The triptych form originated in early Christian art and was used as an altarpiece expressing the concept of trinity. During the Byzantine period small triptychs were often used along psalters and icons for private worship. The triptych format was also used by modern artists like Francis Bacon, Fernand Léger and Pablo Picasso and stays relevant today in work of artists like David Hockney, Jeff Koons or video artist Bill Viola.
Hamish Blakely ‘Angels of Amsterdam’
Tim Christie ‘Wolf of Wall Street’
58 FINE ART COLLECTOR SPRING/SUMMER 2020
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