painting and sculpture, expresses an opposition or difference of position, attitude, &c., of two or more figures, contrived to make variety in a painting, &c., as where, in a group of three figures, one is thrown before, another behind, and another side-ways, they are said to be in contrast.

The contrast is not only to be observed in the position of several figures, but also in that of the several members. members of the same figure: thus, if the right arm advance farther, the right leg is to be hindermost; if the eye be directed one way, the arm to go the contrary way, &c. The contrast must be pursued even in the drapery.

architecture, is to avoid the repetition of the same thing, in order to please by variety.

Contra-wheel, in watch-work, that next to the crown, the teeth and hoop whereof lie contrary to those of the other wheels, from whence it takes its name. See Watch-Making.

Contra-vallation, or the Line Contra-vallation, in fortification, a trench guarded with a parapet, and usually cut round about a place by the besiegers, to secure themselves on that side, and to stop the fallies of the garrison. See Fortification.

Contra-vention, in law, a man's failing to discharge his word, obligation, duty, or the laws or customs of the place.

Contra-ryerva, in botany. See Dorstenia.