in 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 shown before, another behind, and another sideways, 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 of the same figure; thus, if the right arm advance farthest, 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.

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