A man in formal robes sits and looks toward the viewer.

Question

Portrait of Agostino Pallavicini
by Anthony van Dyck

Digital image courtesy of the Getty’s Open Content Program

Question
What element of art does this artist use most to create emphasis and balance?
(1 point)
Responses

color
color

line
line

shape
shape

value
value

Answer 1

In this portrait, the artist Anthony van Dyck likely uses value most to create emphasis and balance. Value refers to the lightness or darkness of colors, and it helps to create depth, contrast, and focal points in a composition. In portraits, the use of value can highlight facial features and draw attention to the subject, which is central to the emphasis in the artwork.