focal point

In art, the centre of interest in an artwork that attracts the viewer's eyes first. Artists use various techniques to bring the viewer to the focal point of their work, often the most important part of a painting, but not always placed in the centre of it. The focal point may stand out because of its size, the brightness of its colour, the use of contrasting colours, particularly light against dark, or because the components of the painting have been arranged so as to guide the viewer's eye.

In the Pre-Raphaelite painting King Cophetua and the Beggar Maid (1880-84; Tate Britain, London) by Edward Burne-Jones, the beggar maid is just off centre and her face and shoulders form the brightest area in the picture. Her skin stands out particularly because it has been painted against a very dark background to provide the maximum contrast. The other characters in the picture help to guide the viewer in because they are posed looking towards her. Using these techniques, Burne-Jones has made the maid's face the focal point of his picture.