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What does triptych mean in art?
3 Answers

It means three paintings painted together and meant to hang together. Often a triptych would have the main centerpiece and two smaller pieces on the left and right

David Brooker Fine ArtFebruary 23, 2021
A triptych is a three panel art work that is hung or displayed together in a particular order. The artist creates a work across three sections that connect that give the appearance of unity in design and construction.

Glenn Green GalleriesFebruary 24, 2021
A triptych is a piece of art (usually a painting or photograph) that’s separated into three distinct parts or panels. A lot of art from the Christian art from the Bysantine era are triptychs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
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View All QuestionsShop for Art Abstract Triptych on 1stDibs
Abstract Triptych
By Stuart Bigley
Located in Germantown, NY
Stuart Bigley is an artist based in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley. He has been making and showing his artwork for over 40 years. During this time he also co-founded and ran the ...
Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic Polymer, Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition Triptych
By Robert O'Meara
Located in Astoria, NY
Robert O'Meara (American, 1957-2024), Abstract Composition Triptych in blue and red, Oil on Canvas, signed to verso, with wood supports to top and bottom edges. Overall: 20.5" H x 48...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
"Abstract Triptych"
By Vera Hoi
Located in Zofingen, AG
This is a colourful abstract triptych. Each painting is framed in a black wooden frame, ready to hang.
Category
2010s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic
Abstract Triptych
By Stuart Bigley
Located in Germantown, NY
Stuart Bigley is an artist based in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley. He has been making and showing his artwork for over 40 years. During this time he also co-founded and ran the ...
Category
1970s Abstract Paintings
Materials
Acrylic Polymer, Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition Triptych
By Robert O'Meara
Located in Astoria, NY
Robert O'Meara (American, 1957-2024), Abstract Composition Triptych, Oil on Canvas, unsigned, with wood supports to top and bottom edges. Panels: 16" H x 12" W; overall: 17" H x 36" ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Abstract Composition Triptych
By Robert O'Meara
Located in Astoria, NY
Robert O'Meara (American, XX-XXI), Abstract Composition Triptych, Oil on Canvas, turquoise and blue, each signed to verso, unframed. Panels: 16" H x 20" W; overall: 16" H x 60". Prov...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Shop More art from David Brooker Fine Art on 1stDibs
19th century Portrait of two cats, Fox terrier, Dachsound, Terrier, Maltese
By Henriëtte Ronner-Knip
Located in Woodbury, CT
Circle of Henriëtte Ronner-Knip (Dutch-Belgian, 1821–1909)
Portrait of Companion Dogs and Cats
Oil on canvas, circa 1890
Signed lower right
Painted in the closing decades of the nin...
Category
1890s Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Modern British landscape of Mousehole Regatta harbor with fishing boats
Located in Woodbury, CT
Eric Ward (British, 20th Century)
Mousehole Regatta, Cornwall
Oil on canvas
Signed lower right
Eric Ward was a gifted British landscape and marine painter whose colourful interpretations of Britain’s coastal villages captured the charm and vitality of seaside life during the twentieth century. Working in a fresh Impressionist manner, Ward became particularly known for his evocative harbour scenes, where brilliant coastal light, shimmering reflections and the movement of sailing craft combined to create compositions of enduring decorative appeal. His paintings celebrate the unique character of Britain’s maritime heritage, especially the picturesque fishing communities of Cornwall.
This delightful painting depicts the picturesque harbour of Mousehole, one of Cornwall’s most celebrated fishing villages, during the excitement of the annual regatta. Sheltered by its historic granite harbour walls, the tranquil waters are alive with traditional sailing boats, their colourful sails reflected in the calm sea beneath an expansive summer sky. Small rowing boats drift quietly in the foreground, while visitors stroll along the quayside, enjoying the festivities against a backdrop of whitewashed cottages climbing the hillside beyond.
Ward masterfully captures the distinctive atmosphere that has attracted artists to Mousehole for well over a century. His confident brushwork and luminous palette beautifully convey the clarity of the Cornish light, where brilliant blues, soft turquoise waters and warm earth tones combine in perfect harmony. The vibrant red and white sails punctuate the composition with striking accents of colour, while the broken reflections dancing across the harbour create an impression of gentle movement and sparkling sunshine.
Throughout the twentieth century, Mousehole became one of Britain’s most important artistic destinations, drawing painters inspired by its intimate harbour, traditional fishing boats and unspoilt coastal scenery. Ward continues this distinguished tradition, producing a work that balances careful observation with an impressionistic freedom, allowing colour and atmosphere to take precedence over meticulous detail. The result is a painting that is both instantly recognisable as one of Cornwall’s most beloved harbours and timeless in its celebration of the English seaside.
Beautifully composed and executed with a lively painterly touch, this oil on canvas perfectly encapsulates the relaxed spirit of a Cornish regatta. Rich in colour, light and maritime character, it is an excellent example of Eric Ward’s coastal paintings and would make a charming addition to any collection of British marine art, Cornish paintings...
Category
Early 2000s Modern Landscape Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Modern British Landscape St. Paul’s Cathedral from Ludgate Hill, London
Located in Woodbury, CT
William Yates (British, 20th Century)
St. Paul’s Cathedral from Ludgate Hill, London
Oil on board, circa 1970
Signed on the reverse
William Yates was a talented Modern British paint...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
Modern City scape, London from St.Pauls in monochrome
Located in Woodbury, CT
William Yates (British, 20th Century)
St. Paul’s Cathedral, London
Oil on board, circa 1970
Signed on the reverse
William Yates was a gifted British painter whose expressive citysca...
Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Landscape Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
19th century Hen house interior with cockerel, chickens
Located in Woodbury, CT
M. Jackson (English School, late 19th Century)
Chickens in a Hen House
Oil on board, circa 1890
signed lower left
This charming late Victorian farmyard scene captures the quiet beau...
Category
1890s Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
19th century Hen house interior with cockerel, chickens
Located in Woodbury, CT
M. Jackson (English School, late 19th Century)
Chickens in a Hen House
Oil on board, circa 1890
Monogrammed lower left
This charming late Victorian farmyard scene captures the quiet...
Category
1890s Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board
19th century Hen house interior with cockerel, chickens
Located in Woodbury, CT
M. Jackson (English School, late 19th Century)
Chickens in a Hen House
Oil on board, circa 1890
Monogrammed lower left
This charming late Victorian farmyard scene captures the quiet...
Category
1890s Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil, Board




