triptych etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin: triptychos, from Greek τρίπτυχος (tríptychos), meaning "folded in three"
  • Ancient Greek: τρίπτυχος (tríptychos), from τρεῖς (treîs), meaning "three" + πτύσσω (ptýssō), meaning "to fold"

Meaning:

  • A foldable artwork consisting of three panels, usually connected by hinges
  • By extension, anything consisting of three interconnected parts or divisions

Origin:

The term "triptych" originated in ancient Greece, where it was used to describe a three-panelled writing tablet or wax tablet for taking notes. These tablets were commonly used by students and scribes to write on both sides of the panels, which could then be folded together for protection.

Triptychs later became popular in medieval and Renaissance art, particularly for religious depictions. They allowed artists to create complex and narrative compositions that could be easily transported and displayed. Notable examples include Rogier van der Weyden's "Crucifixion" and Hieronymus Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights."

Over time, the term "triptych" has been used more broadly to refer to any threefold structure or arrangement.

triptych relate terms

  • diptych

  • three

    Etymology 1 Greek Meaning Number three Origin Proto Indo European treyes 2 Sans

  • compass

    Etymology Old French compas Latin compassus stride Vulgar Latin compassare to

  • exile

    Etymology Latin exsilium exile banishment Proto Indo European eks s il out

  • confusion

    Etymology The word confusion is derived from the Latin word confusio which means a

  • charity

    Etymology The word charity comes from the Latin word caritas which means love affe

  • restaurant

    Etymology The word restaurant comes from the French verb restaurer which means to

  • penny

    Etymology The word penny originates from the Old English word penig which is deriv

  • stigma

    Etymology Greek stigma στίγμα Latin stigma Meaning A mark of disgrac