Jan van Eyck Triptychs

Art Activity: Jan van Eyck Triptychs

Activity best for children ages 4 and up

Today, you will get to create a triptych just like Jan van Eyck!

Jan van Eyck was a painter from Belgium. Many people call Jan van Eyck the “father of oil painting” because of all the new techniques and advances he made in oil painting. He was also known for painting precise detail — especially on his triptychs. A triptych is a work of art that is divided into three sections. Usually, these panels are fastened together and can be folded open or shut.

MATERIALS

  • 1 piece of blank white paper (any size will do!)

  • Scissors (ask an adult for help with this part!)

  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Fold your paper into three equal columns.

STEP 2

While still folded, trim the top of the paper so it looks like it is arching upwards into a point (like a mountain!).

STEP 3

Think of a story you would like to tell–this can be made up or one from a story you’ve read or seen! Think of the beginning, the middle, and the end.

STEP 4

Draw each part of the story on your triptych starting from left to right. On the first panel draw the beginning of the story, in the middle draw the middle, and on the last column draw the end.

STEP 5

Fold your triptych closed and a draw a cover for your story on the front of your triptych.

STEP 6

Share your story with others and let them “read” your story!