The Triptych: A New Trend In Displaying Landscapes

Kathryn Gordon

While the triptych presentation has traditionally been associated with medieval Christian art, it has recently become a popular means of presenting landscape wall art. A triptych photograph or painting is broken up into three separate panels that are hung side by side. 

What are the advantages of presenting a landscape as a triptych image? The following are some of the reasons why this trend has been catching on among art and interior design enthusiasts. 

Eye movement

Triptychs tend to facilitate eye movement across a canvas to a much greater extent than a solid image does. Those who view a triptych tend to gradually progress from left to right across the image, and images presented as triptychs tend to retain viewer attention longer than one solid canvas would. 

This eye movement contributes to the visual appeal of the landscape and almost gives viewers the feeling that the triptych is telling a story rather than simply representing an outdoor scene. 

Window effect

One of the most interesting aspects of the triptych presentation of a landscape is that it gives one the feeling of looking out a window at the scene being presented.

This window effect contributes a kind of surrealism to the scene by presenting a fantastical landscape as if it were appearing right outside, perhaps in an unremarkable residential neighborhood. 

Wall coverage

The triptych presentation can cover more wall space with three smaller frames rather than requiring one enormous frame. The smaller frames can make hanging the image a simpler matter, and a triptych image is often enough to adequately decorate an entire wall when one solid image might not do the job. 

Visual breaks

One large, solid image risks appearing monotonous if it is not broken up somehow. The divisions in a triptych image allow for visual breaks that enhance the image and allow a large, sweeping landscape to be displayed in an interestingly dynamic way.

Color

The color and the composition of a landscape scene presented by a triptych blend together the whole image despite the three separate frames. At the same time, the triptych presentation makes it easier for viewers to break down the image and pinpoint its component parts. 

Variety

A triptych landscape can be presented altogether, with the frames displayed side by side. However, the triptych can also be broken up and the three component frames can be displayed separately in different parts of a room or home. This allows for more options and permits inquisitive interior designers to mix and match decor accessories. 


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