What does the word altarpiece mean?

Definition of altarpiece : a work of art that decorates the space above and behind an altar.

What is the difference between a triptych and altarpiece?

…of two painted panels, a triptych has three panels, and a polyptych has four or more panels. A winged altarpiece is one equipped with movable wings that can be opened or closed over a fixed central part, thereby allowing various representations to be exposed to view.

What is a polyptych?

A polyptych is a painting or other two-dimensional artwork made up of more than three panels.

Why was the Ghent altarpiece created?

An influential citizen of Ghent, Vijd commissioned the altarpiece for the Church dedicated to St. John the Baptist (now the Cathedral of St. Bavo) in his home city as a means of saving his soul while simultaneously celebrating his wealth.

How is an altarpiece constructed?

Retable-type altarpieces are often made up of two or more separate panels created using a technique known as panel painting. The panels can also display reliefs or sculpture in the round, either polychrome or un-painted.

What is a triptych altarpiece?

A triptych (/ˈtrɪptɪk/ TRIP-tik; from the Greek adjective τρίπτυχον “triptukhon” (“three-fold”), from tri, i.e., “three” and ptysso, i.e., “to fold” or ptyx, i.e., “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 …

What is a set of 6 paintings called?

A polyptych (/ˈpɒlɪptɪk/ POL-ip-tik; Greek: poly- “many” and ptychē “fold”) is a painting (usually panel painting) which is divided into sections, or panels.

What is a set of 4 paintings called?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition, a polyptych is “an arrangement of four or more panels (as of a painting) usually hinged and folding together.” Originally, a polyptych was a religious carving or painting on an altar and had four or more hinged panels telling a story.

What is diptych and triptych?

A diptych or triptych, originating from the Greek ptykhos meaning to bend, is an artwork made up of panels (either 2 or 3 respectively). While the panels may form a single scene, they sometimes are standalone pieces that are linked through a visual coherence. In the Middle Ages, the triptych was used to tell stories.