Final answer:
The opposite of emphasis in art is subordination, which refers to areas of a composition with lesser visual importance that support the main focal point.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opposite of emphasis is subordination. Emphasis in art refers to the creation of a focal point that attracts the viewer's attention. This can be achieved using various elements or principles of art such as color, unity, balance, contrast, or scale. For example, emphasis could be placed by using a stark color contrast, like a string of gold against a dark purple background, whereby the gold becomes the focal point due to the contrast in color. On the other hand, subordination refers to the areas of lesser visual importance in a composition, which support the main emphasis by creating a visual hierarchy.