Final answer:
The term 'focal point' refers to the area in a work of art that draws the viewer's attention. Artists create a focal point using visual techniques such as contrast, placement, and perspective. This concept is exemplified in Francisco de Goya's 'The Third of May, 1808' and the 'World Womb Mandala'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of visual arts, the term you're seeking is "focal point". This is the specific area in a work of art that attracts the viewer's attention. Often, an artist will employ various techniques to establish a focal point, and this can be achieved through strategies such as contrast in color, light, or texture; placement within the composition; or through the use of perspective and lines that guide the viewer's eye to a particular point.
For example, in Francisco de Goya's painting "The Third of May, 1808", the figure in the white shirt, despite being left of center, is illuminated in such a way that it becomes the main emphasis of the work. His stance and the dramatic spotlight created by a candle lantern reinforce his significance within the scene. Additionally, subordination—or the technique of making other elements less prominent—supports the main emphasis and creates a hierarchy within the artwork.
Another illustration of emphasis is seen in the "World Womb Mandala", where the Buddha figure is highlighted through its central positioning, the vivid color of surrounding petals, and the symmetry of the composition, making the Buddha the focal point and the subject of meditation in the art.