A projector rear is simple in structure uses reflection type liquid crystal plates to project images on a screen. R light emitted by a light source is directed to a first liquid crystal plate via a first dichroic mirror. Light reflected from the first liquid crystal plate is reflected toward a projection axis by the first dichroic mirror. B light transmitted through the first dichroic mirror is reflected by a second dichroic mirror and impinges on a second liquid crystal plate. Light reflected by this second liquid crystal plate is again reflected toward the projection axis by the second dichroic mirror. G light is made to directly enter a third liquid crystal plate. G light reflected by the third liquid crystal plate travels along the projection axis. The angular positional relations among optical elements are so set that the angle of incidence to the normal to each dichroic mirror is close to the angle of reflection.