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Carol,
To add to what has already been said, the diptych and the triptych were originally designs for altarpieces; the first being comprised of two panels of identical size hinged together (as stated above), and the second being made up of 3 panels--the 2 flanking the central one each being half the size of the central one in such a manner that allowed the altarpeice to be closed somewhat like a closet would close. There was usually a design on the "verso" of each of the lateral panels, either carved or painted.
Carlos
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