Polyptych
A
polyptych (from the
Greek polu- "many" +
ptychē "fold") generally refers to a
painting which is divided into four or more sections. (The term
diptych is used to describe a two-part painting and the term
triptych describes a three-part painting.)
Polyptychs were most common with Renaissance painters, especially those who painted in a religious style. The majority of polyptychs were designed to be altarpieces in churches and cathedrals.
Examples of polyptychs include:
