The word diptych comes from the Greek root "dis," meaning "two," and "ptykhe," meaning "fold." Originally, the name was used to refer to folding writing tablets used in ancient Roman times. Two boards—most commonly wood, but also bone or metal—were hinged together and the inner faces were covered with a layer of wax, which could be inscribed.
In later centuries, the diptych became a common way to display religious stories or to honor saints and other important figures. The hinge made them into easily portable altarpieces and prevented any damage to the artwork.
The British Museum categorizes these as "religious/ritual equipment" and they span the centuries in cultures worldwide, including the Buddhist and Christian faiths. Many of these pieces, such as one 15th-century diptych featuring St. Stephen and St. Martin, were carved in ivory or stone.
Diptychs have been a popular choice among artists for centuries. Typically, the two panels are closely related to one another, though a diptych may also be used for one piece that is continued over two separate panels.
