Diptychs

A diptych is a work of art composed of two panels that are connected, usually by a hinge, so the panels can be opened and closed like a book. The term comes from the Greek di- meaning two and ptychē meaning folding. Diptychs were originally portable and devotional objects, but the form has persisted in various contexts throughout art history.

Historically, diptychs appeared in late antiquity and the medieval period in the Western and Byzantine worlds. They often consisted of two ivory or wooden panels painted or carved with related subjects, such as donor portraits paired with saints or scenes from the life of Christ. The two panels were designed to be displayed together, creating a paired or dialogue-like relationship between the images, and could be opened for viewing and closed for prayer or protection.

In the Renaissance and later periods, the diptych remained a common format for personal devotion, altarpiece components, and ceremonial gifts. The panels could be hinged or simply presented side by side as a linked composite. The format also gave rise to related forms such as the triptych and polyptych, but the diptych is defined by its two-part structure.

In contemporary practice, diptychs extend beyond traditional painting and relief to photography, printmaking, and mixed media. Modern diptychs may explore thematic connections between two linked images or contrasts between paired subjects, reflecting the enduring appeal of the two-panel concept while embracing new technologies and media.