Early Netherlandish artists frequently employed three panels--a center and two wings--for the depiction of religious scenes on altarpieces. Using the MFA's "Martyrdom of St Hippolytus" and "Ecce Homo" as case studies, we'll explore the development of the triptych format in the north up until the iconoclasm of the 1560s. Close looking will focus our attention on the relationship of margins to middle, front to back.  This gallery talk will be given by graduate student lecturer, Ruth Ezra.