Lena Rivera
In art, a register is a horizontal level in a work that consists of several levels stacked vertically, often separated by lines. A polyptych is a work of art, usually a panel painting, that is divided into sections or panels. The number of panels defines the name of the polyptych: a diptych has two panels, a triptych has three, a tetraptych or quadriptych has four, and a pentaptych has five. Polyptychs usually have one central or main panel that is the largest, with the other panels acting as side panels. In European Renaissance painting, polyptychs are often seen in devotional settings as altarpieces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Pentaptych |
| Definition | A work of art consisting of five sections or panels |
| Etymology | From the Greek "poly" meaning many, and ptych meaning fold |
| Historical subjects | Religious |
| Historical format | Hinged panels |
| Historical use | Altarpieces in churches and cathedrals |
| Modern use | Portraits, photography, and other media |
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What You'll Learn
A pentaptych is a five-part work of art
While the precise origins of polyptych art are uncertain, the earliest examples are believed to have emerged in Italy during the early 14th century. The form developed from the fusion of Byzantine iconostasis with Gothic architectural styles, resulting in the recognisable Renaissance polyptych. The artist Duccio di Buoninsegna, active in Siena during the early to mid-14th century, created some of the earliest examples of polyptych art, showcasing early Italo-Byzantine influences.
Polyptychs were commonly employed as devotional pieces in Renaissance Europe, often serving as altarpieces in churches and cathedrals. Large polyptychs adorned altars, while smaller versions could be found in the homes of the wealthy. These smaller domestic polyptychs began to fall out of fashion during the Renaissance, as artists shifted their focus towards painting single scenes with unified backgrounds.
The format of the polyptych, however, continued to evolve and adapt to new artistic expressions. In the 20th century, the polyptych format experienced a resurgence in popularity, finding new life in portraits and other subjects beyond the predominantly religious themes of the past. Artists began to experiment with polyptychs in various media, including painting and photography, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
The pentaptych, as a five-part polyptych, represents a unique and distinct variation within this artistic tradition. An example of a pentaptych is "New York Interpreted" by an unspecified artist, completed in 1922. This 22-foot masterpiece serves as a "guidebook to cosmopolitan clangor", showcasing the versatility and scope of the pentaptych format in capturing the essence of a vibrant city.
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Polyptychs are works of art divided into sections, or panels
Polyptychs are works of art that are divided into sections or panels, typically used as altarpieces in churches and cathedrals. The term "polyptych" comes from the Greek words "poly", meaning "many", and "ptychē", meaning "fold". They are often made up of a central or main panel, which is usually the largest, with other panels called side panels or wings if they are hinged. Polyptychs can be arranged in different ways to show various views or openings, with images painted on both sides of the hinged panels.
While the precise origins of polyptych art are uncertain, it is believed to have emerged in Italy in the early 14th century, influenced by the fusion of Byzantine iconostasis and Gothic architectural styles. The earliest examples of polyptych art are associated with the work of Duccio di Buoninsegna, who was active in Siena during the early to mid-14th century.
Polyptychs typically consist of multiple panels that can be arranged and folded together. They are commonly found in religious art, with large polyptychs often serving as altarpieces in Christian churches and cathedrals. Smaller polyptychs, such as diptychs and triptychs, were also created for personal use by the wealthy.
The number of sections or panels in a polyptych can vary, and there are specific terms to describe the number of parts. For example, a diptych has two parts, a triptych has three, a tetraptych or quadriptych has four, and a pentaptych has five.
The use of registers, or horizontal levels, is also common in art, especially in the depiction of narrative scenes or the lives of sacred figures. A register refers to a horizontal level in a work of art that consists of several levels arranged one above the other, clearly separated by lines. This artistic technique is commonly found in ancient art forms, such as Egyptian hieroglyphs and medieval frescoes, as well as in modern comic books.
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A diptych is a two-part work of art
In art, a register is a horizontal level in a work that consists of several levels arranged one above the other. The use of registers is common in Ancient Egyptian art and medieval art in large frescoes and illuminated manuscripts.
A diptych, on the other hand, is a two-part work of art. It is derived from the Latin 'diptycha', which itself comes from the Late Greek 'diptycha' meaning 'pair of writing tablets'. Diptychs were common in Early Netherlandish painting and depicted subjects ranging from secular portraiture to religious themes and stories. They were especially popular in the 15th and 16th centuries, with artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, and Hugo van der Goes using the form. Diptychs were also used to inscribe the names of the living and the departed that were commemorated by the local church. In the Middle Ages, many panel paintings took the diptych form as small, portable works for personal use.
While the triptych form was more common, ivory diptychs with religious scenes carved in relief were first found in Byzantine art before becoming popular in the Gothic period in the West. These diptychs were well-suited to the mobile lives of the medieval elites. The paintings generally had single subjects on a panel, with the two matching. However, by the 15th century, one panel might contain a portrait of the owner or commissioner, with the Virgin or another religious subject on the other side.
In modern times, artists like Banksy and Andy Warhol have used the diptych format for their artworks, such as 'Girl with Balloon' and 'Marilyn Diptych', respectively.
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In art, a register is a horizontal level in a work that consists of several levels
The use of registers is common in ancient art, especially in Ancient Egyptian art, medieval art, and Near Eastern and Greek artworks. They can be found in large frescoes and illuminated manuscripts, as well as in relief sculptures from Assyria and the friezes of Greek temples. In modern times, registers can be seen in comic books, where they are used to present narratives in a similar way to rows or lines in text.
The concept of a register is also related to the term "polyptych" in art. A polyptych is a work of art, usually a panel painting, that is divided into multiple sections or panels. The number of panels in a polyptych can vary, and specific terms are used to describe the number of parts, such as a “diptych” for two parts, a “triptych” for three parts, and a “tetraptych” or “quadriptych” for four parts. A pentaptych, with its five parts, would be an example of a painting with five registers.
While the precise origins of polyptych art are uncertain, early examples are believed to have emerged in Italy during the 14th century, influenced by the fusion of Byzantine iconostasis and Gothic architectural styles. By the Renaissance, polyptychs began to fall out of fashion as artists preferred to paint single scenes with unified backgrounds. However, some artists like Rubens continued to create large-scale polyptychs in the early 17th century.
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The use of registers is common in Ancient Egyptian art
In art and archaeology, a register is a horizontal level in a work that consists of several levels stacked one above the other, usually separated by lines. The use of registers is common in Ancient Egyptian art, from the Narmer Palette onwards.
The ancient Egyptians used a different method to represent scenes and draw the viewer's attention to important elements. They worked in two dimensions, focusing on the most recognisable aspects of each element in a scene rather than attempting to replicate the real world. This is why images of people show their face, waist, and limbs in profile, but the eye and shoulders frontally. Egyptian artists used registers to communicate multiple concepts in an abstract but accessible way while maximising the available decorative surface. The baseline of the register served as an anchor point for intersecting and parallel guidelines used by artists to arrange decorative elements proportionally. Registers were also used to convey information about the scenes—the higher up in the scene, the higher the status; overlapping figures imply that the ones underneath are further away, as are those elements that are higher within the register.
Scale was used as a tool to indicate a person's importance. The smallest figures generally represent those of the lowest status, while the largest figures represent gods, kings, or, in the case of tomb decoration, the deceased. Colour was also used to convey status: red skin implied a hard-working, tanned youth, while yellow skin was used for women or middle-aged men who worked indoors. The presence of blue or gold indicated divinity, and the use of black represented fertility and was used for royal figures.
Three-dimensional representations, while formal, aimed to reproduce the real world. Statuary of gods, royalty, and the elite was designed to convey an idealised version of the individual. Some aspects of ‘naturalism’ were dictated by the material. For example, stone statuary was quite closed, with arms held close to the sides, limited positions, and a strong back pillar that provided support. Wood and metal statuary, in contrast, was more expressive, with arms extended and holding separate objects, and more open spaces between the limbs to create a more realistic appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
In art, a register is a horizontal level in a work that consists of several levels stacked vertically.
A painting with five registers is called a pentaptych.
A two-part work of art is called a diptych, a three-part work is a triptych, and a four-part work is a tetraptych or quadriptych.
Examples of paintings with multiple sections include the Ghent Altarpiece, the Isenheim Altarpiece, and the Descent from the Cross triptych by Rubens.
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