The word 'triptych' is normally used to indicate a type of element that has three sections that are clearly divisible from each other but that, in the same way, maintain union with the one next to it. The name triptych comes from the Greek, from the word triptyche, which means triple fold. Normally, the idea of a triptych is related to different types of works of art, although you can also find brochures, furniture pieces and other elements with this format.
When speaking of triptychs, reference is generally made to works of art since this format was very characteristic of the Middle Ages (in which the idea of the Christian Trinity was in perfect harmony with the triple format). In this sense, many works of art of the time were made on wooden, ivory or metal tables with different designs, engravings and reliefs. The beauty and delicacy of these works made them highly popular and recognized regardless of their size (some can be found in miniature size and others worthy of decorating entire rooms).
Nowadays, the notion of triptych is also applied to many pictorial works of art that are composed, needless to say, of three parts, although they do not remain physically united if not symbolically or through the continuation of the figures.
At the same time, the trifold format is one that allows a brochure to have six sides instead of four (the traditional and conventional design of information brochures) that are folded and that offer whoever reads them more space for information, design or images .
Finally, the triptych shape is also found in some furniture, the screens (of Japanese origin) being one of the easiest examples to identify. These screens (as well as the doors of some furniture, some libraries or cabinets) are composed of three parts and can also be a work of art in themselves.
