What principle of design helps lead the viewer’s eye through a composition?

Movement is a principle of design that specifically focuses on guiding the viewer's eye throughout a composition. It encompasses the flow created by the arrangement and placement of elements within the artwork. By using lines, shapes, colors, or even the direction of forms, artists can create pathways that encourage the viewer to look from one area of the piece to another in a deliberate way, enhancing the overall experience of the artwork.

For instance, an artist might use diagonal lines or repeated shapes that lead from the foreground to the background, effectively directing attention in a particular sequence. This manipulation of visual elements not only creates engagement but also provides a narrative or thematic continuity within the artwork.

In contrast, other principles such as emphasis focus on highlighting specific areas to draw attention, balance ensures stability within a composition, and pattern involves the repetition of visual elements without the inherent aim to direct movement. Thus, while all these principles play a significant role in an artwork, movement is uniquely essential for leading the viewer's gaze throughout the composition.