A triptych (/ˈtrɪptɪk/ TRIP-tik; from the Greek adjective τρίπτυχον (tríptychon, "three-fold"), from tri- "three" and ptyssō "to fold" or ptyx "fold") is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections, or three carved panels that are hinged together and can be folded shut or displayed open. It is therefore a type of polyptych, the term for all multi-panel works. The middle panel is typically the largest and it is flanked by two smaller related works, although there are triptychs of equal-sized panels. The form can also be used for pendant jewelry.
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