Focal point

DEFINITION

In two-dimensional images, the center of interest visually and/or subject-wise; tends to be used more in traditional, representational art than in modern and contemporary art, where the picture surface tends to have more of an overall importance, rather than one important area.<br><br>The portion of an artwork&#39;s composition on which interest or attention centers. The focal point may be most interesting for any of several reasons: it may be given formal emphasis; its meaning may be controversial, incongruous, or otherwise compelling.Example: Leonardo da Vinci&#39;s Last SupperLeonardo da Vinci (Italian, 1452-1519), The Last Supper, 1498, modified fresco, 15 x 29 feet (460 x 880 cm), Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Refectory), Milan. The overall setting is highly symmetrically balanced, its focal point the centrally placed figure of Christ. This is further balanced by the placement of six apostles to each side of Christ, even though each man&#39;s appearance is highly individualized. See cenacole and cenacolo and Renaissance.