kids encyclopedia robot

Triptych facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A triptych is a special kind of artwork made of three separate pictures. These pictures are usually paintings, but they can also be carvings or other art forms. They are designed to be seen together, telling a story or showing different parts of one idea.

The word "triptych" comes from ancient Greek words. "Tri" means three, and "ptysso" means to fold. This is because triptychs often have hinges. These hinges let the side panels fold inwards, covering the middle one. The middle painting is often the biggest, but sometimes all three parts are the same size. While usually art, anything made of three parts that fit together can be called a triptych.

Famous Triptychs in Art

Triptychs have been popular for hundreds of years, especially in churches. They were often used as altarpieces, which are artworks placed on or behind an altar. Many famous artists have created triptychs.

William Etty's Joan of Arc Triptych

A well-known example is a large triptych by the English painter William Etty. He created a huge artwork about the life of Joan of Arc, a famous French hero. This painting was very big, about 28 feet (8.5 meters) wide.

After Etty sold it, the three parts of the painting were separated. One part showed Joan of Arc finding a special sword. Another part, which showed Joan fighting, is now in a museum in France. Sadly, the third part of this triptych has been lost over time.

Joan of Arc at Orleans
Center panel Joan of Arc makes a sortie from the gates of Orleans, and scatters the enemies of France, William Etty (1843).
martyrdom of Joan of Arc
"Joan of Arc, after rendering the most signal services to her Prince and people, is suffered to die a martyr in their cause" 1849 engraving of the third panel from "The Penny Illustrated News" December 1, 1849 Vol 1, Issue 6 .p.45"

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Tríptico para niños

kids search engine
Triptych Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.