Emphasis

Emphasis is used to draw a viewer's attention to one area of the work. This point is also considered the focal point. Sometimes the focal point can lead us to see other points throughout the piece, causing more than one focal point. In this painting by Georges de La Tour, the focal point is the boy's face. The candle lights the boys face, making it the main focal point. But this light also brings attention to the sleeping man's face. The first thing seen in this piece is the boy's face, and then the sleeping man. The viewer will also notice the boy's hand, as it too is lit by the light.