Marcus Chen
When two paintings are meant to be together, they are called companion pieces, complementing/complementary artworks, paired, or coupled. The art term for two paintings that go together is a diptych, which consists of two pieces or panels that create a single artwork. They can be attached together or presented separately but adjoining each other. The term diptych comes from the Latin diptycha, which is derived from the Late Greek δίπτυχα (díptycha), meaning pair of writing tablets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of panels | Two |
| Medium | Paintings, wood, stone, metal, ivory |
| Connection | Panels can be attached or presented adjoining each other |
| History | Ancient Rome, Middle Ages, Gothic period, 15th and 16th centuries |
| Artists | Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes, Andy Warhol |
| Alternate names | Companion pieces, complementing/complementary artworks, paired/coupled artworks, duo/pair |
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What You'll Learn
Two paintings that complement each other
Creating two paintings that complement each other is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. Artists typically start by conceptualizing the overall theme or message they want to convey. They then decide on the composition, colour palette, and style for each individual painting, taking into account how the two pieces will work together. The term "diptych" is often used to describe two paintings that complement each other and are intended to be hung together as a pair. This term is derived from the Latin "diptycha" and the Late Greek "diptycha", which referred to a pair of writing tablets. In medieval times, diptychs were often hinged so that they could be closed and the artwork protected.
When creating complementary paintings, artists must consider how the two pieces will interact with each other and how they will be arranged and displayed. The lighting, colour, and texture of the surrounding environment can also impact the viewer's experience. By presenting two paintings that interact visually or thematically, artists can create a sense of tension or harmony that engages the viewer on a deeper level. This encourages viewers to think critically about the artwork and draw their own conclusions, making them active participants in the artistic process.
Some modern artists have used the term "diptych" in the title of their works consisting of two paintings that are intended to be hung together as a pair. For example, Andy Warhol's "Marilyn Diptych" (1962) is a modern pop culture icon that consists of two paintings hung side by side. In medieval times, diptychs were often used to celebrate important events such as weddings or becoming a Roman consul. These diptychs were often distributed to friends and followers of the person being celebrated.
Artists may also refer to two paintings that complement each other as "companion pieces". This term is often used to describe two independent artworks that are meant to be paired together, either physically or conceptually. While there is no standardized vocabulary for art critique, terms like "complementing" and "complementary" are often used to describe artworks that enhance or complete each other. These terms can be used in various ways to describe the unique relationship between the two pieces.
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A pair of paintings
Diptychs are artworks consisting of two pieces or panels that together create a single artwork. They can be attached together or presented adjoining each other. In medieval times, panels were often hinged so that they could be closed and the artworks protected. Diptychs can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, metal, and ivory. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as religious devotion, personal use, or decoration.
Diptychs have a long history, dating back to Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages. They were commonly used for religious purposes, with scenes from the life of Christ or the Virgin Mary depicted on altarpieces in Christian churches. One notable example of an old diptych is the "Crucifixion and Last Judgment" diptych by Jan van Eyck, which dates back to the 1300s. Another example is the "Wilton Diptych", which is also from the same period and can be found in the National Gallery in London.
In modern times, diptychs have been used by artists such as Andy Warhol, who created the iconic "Marilyn Diptych" in 1962. Diptychs can be used to create a dynamic and unexpected element in home decor, breaking up the traditional one-canvas or photo flow. They can also be used to tell a story or convey a message through the combination of two separate but related scenes.
Some people also refer to a pair of paintings that complement each other as "companion pieces", "complementing artworks", "paired", or "coupled".
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Diptych
A diptych is an artwork consisting of two pieces or panels that come together to form a single artwork. The word "diptych" comes from the Latin "diptycha", which itself is derived from the Late Greek "diptycha" or "díptycha", meaning "pair of writing tablets". The term "diptych" is also used to refer to films or pieces of literature that complement each other and form a distinct artwork when taken together.
In Late Antiquity, ivory notebook diptychs with covers carved in low relief were a significant art form. These were often commissioned to celebrate an individual becoming a Roman consul, with the new consul distributing them to friends and followers. Diptychs were also commissioned to celebrate weddings or for private use. Some of the most important surviving works of the Late Roman Empire are diptychs, preserved in some cases by being reused as book covers.
In modern times, artists such as Andy Warhol have used the term "diptych" in the title of works consisting of two paintings intended to be hung together as a pair.
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Companion pieces
The term "companion pieces" refers to two artworks that complement each other and are meant to be together. The concept of companion pieces is not limited to visual art but also extends to literature, music, and film.
In art history, the term "diptych" is used to describe an artwork consisting of two pieces or panels that come together to create a single artwork. Diptychs were common in Early Netherlandish painting during the 15th and 16th centuries, with artists such as Jan van Eyck and Rogier van der Weyden utilising this format. Diptychs often featured a range of subjects, including secular portraiture, religious figures, and stories.
The idea of companion pieces allows artists to explore different facets of a story or theme across multiple works. These works can stand alone but are enhanced when experienced together, as they illuminate and complement each other.
While the term "companion pieces" suggests a close relationship between two artworks, it is important to note that these works are typically not interchangeable. Each piece brings its unique perspective and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the artist's vision when appreciated together.
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Medieval hinged panels
During the Middle Ages, many panel paintings took the form of diptychs, or two hinged panels that come together to form a single artwork. These hinged panels could be closed to protect the artwork and were often small and portable, intended for personal use. Ivory diptychs with religious scenes carved in relief were first found in Byzantine art before becoming popular in the Gothic period in the West, particularly in Paris. These ivory diptychs were well-suited to the mobile lives of medieval elites.
The word "diptych" comes from the Latin "diptycha", which itself is derived from the Late Greek "δίπτυχα" (diptycha), meaning "pair of writing tablets". The term originally referred to the standard notebook of the ancient world, which consisted of two plates with a recessed space filled with wax for writing.
Diptychs were also used to celebrate important occasions, such as an individual becoming a Roman consul, weddings, or for private use. In Christian literature, the term "diptych" refers to official lists of the living and departed that are commemorated by the local church.
While the triptych form was more common, diptychs were especially popular in the 15th and 16th centuries in Early Netherlandish painting. Artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Memling, and Hugo van der Goes used the diptych form.
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Frequently asked questions
Two paintings that go together are called a diptych.
The term "diptych" comes from the Latin "diptycha", which itself is derived from the Late Greek "δίπτυχα" ("díptycha"), meaning "pair of writing tablets".
Yes, one famous example of a diptych is the "Crucifixion and Last Judgment diptych", painted by Jan van Eyck in the 1300s. Another example is Andy Warhol's "Marilyn Diptych" (1962), which is considered a modern pop culture icon.
Diptychs can feature a wide range of images and artwork, including secular portraiture, religious figures and stories, landscapes, and abstract compositions.
Some alternative terms for two paintings that complement or correspond to each other include "companion pieces", "complementing artworks", "paired artworks", and "coupled artworks".
