Triptych Artworks

Three panels, three sections, three works in one: it's a triptych! Although the name sounds straight out of a dusty museum or a country church, triptychs are very on-trend! It is an inseparable whole, whose three panels come together, oppose and feed off each other. The triptych itself becomes a work of art that gives way to lively and dynamic creations. It is a modern support, both pictorial and photographic, that breathes new life into any kind of interior. A triptych in your living room is the answer to your desire for originality! Discover our works in our dedicated selection.

A triptych (Greek adjective "triptukhon" meaning "three-fold") is a work of art that is divided into three sections. These sections are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is a very popular art form and has been used by artists for centuries, and it is present in a variety of mediums including painting, photography and drawing. The triptych typically serves to tell a story. Alternatively, “diptychs" are objects with two flat plates attached at a hinge, and “polyptychs" are divided into many sections or panels.

Traditionally in the Middle Ages, a triptych would consist of a large panel and two smaller panels painted inside the doors. Symbolically the number 3 would recall the Holy Trinity, and artists would use the 3 panels to depict the beginning, the middle and the end of a story (and life).

Nevertheless, the way artists use the triptych format can change dramatically from one work to another. The assembled panels can form either a single scene or three separate ones. However, there usually remains a clear relationship between all three panels of the triptych. The triptych is used to tell a story and explore the main theme of the three panels. It allows the artist to show the development and progression of their subject. Additionally, the fact that the work is divided into three allows the viewer to adopt multiple perspectives.

When it comes to practicality, the triptych facilitates the transportation, storage and displaying of works. This means they can be easily shared between museums worldwide, and the fascinating nature of this art form can be admired across the globe.

Although traditionally used in religious art, there are triptychs in both classical and modern art.

Twentieth century artist, Francis Bacon, became famous for his triptych works, claiming: "Triptychs are the thing I like doing most, and I think this may be related to the thought I've sometimes had of making a film. I like the juxtaposition of the images separated on three different canvases. So far as my work has any quality, I often feel perhaps it is the triptychs have the most quality." Bacon's first and extremely scandalous triptych, “Three Studies for a Crucifixion" was completed in 1962. On the right panel, there is a sordid scene of crucifixion, similar to that of Christ. Meanwhile the left panel depicts a graphic slaughter, where two men stand by a mangled and butchered corpse on a table. This would set in motion many more triptychs to be created by Bacon, including that of his lover, George Dyer in 1963. 

In 1969, Bacon painted his friend and rival, Lucian Freud, in “Three Studies of Lucian Freud".  It was sold in November 2013 for $142.4 million, which at the time was the highest price attained at an auction for a work of art when not considering inflation.

So why have one contemporary work when you can three! Artsper invites you to discover the world of triptychs through famous and emerging artists like, Emmanuelle Vroelant, Agnes Bouche and Leah Angelo.