A small collection of Byzantine style Triptychs. A triptych from the Greek τρίπτυχο is a work of art (usually a panel painting) which is divided into three sections, or three carved panels which are hinged together and folded. The middle panel is the larger one and is flanked by two smaller, but related, works. Triptychs arise from early Christian art, and were a popular standard format for altar paintings from the Middle Ages onwards. Its geographical range was from the eastern Byzantine churches to the English Celtic churches in the west.