noun
diptych
DIP-tik/ˈdɪptɪk/
An artwork or object consisting of two paired or hinged panels.
The artist pairs two coastal scenes in a single diptych.
Etymology
“Two” and “fold” describe the hinged, two-leaved writing tablet originally called a diptych. The art sense carries that paired structure over to pictures or carvings on two connected panels.
In context
this exquisite diptych hinged panel
More examples
- Small hinges allow the wooden diptych to close like a book.
- The gallery displays three diptychs, each pairing a portrait with a landscape.
- Both panels of the diptych share the same blue background.
Forms
diptych · diptychs