Which element of art captures the spatial quality and depth of a composition?

Space is the element of art that specifically addresses the spatial quality and depth in a composition. In visual arts, space refers to the areas around, between, and beneath objects. It involves the way positive and negative spaces interact within a piece. Artists can create the illusion of depth and perspective through various techniques such as overlapping, size variation, and the use of linear perspective, which manipulates how space is portrayed.

In contrast, shape pertains to the two-dimensional outlines of objects, while form refers to the three-dimensional counterpart, influencing how we perceive mass and volume. Texture relates to the surface quality of an artwork, impacting how a surface might feel or appear visually. None of these elements directly address the aspect of spatial relationships as effectively as space does. Therefore, space is the key element in understanding and creating depth within a composition.