A transmission screen for a rear projection type image display apparatus having at least one image generation source for displaying images, at least one projection lens for enlarging and projecting images displayed on the at least one image generation source onto a rear portion of the transmission screen for display. The transmission screen of the image display apparatus enables display of the images projected onto the transmission screen with a contrast of at least 70. Further, the transmission screen enables display with a field angle within a range of at least 72.degree. to less than 100.degree.. The transmission screen also includes a glossy light absorbing layer and a substantially smooth mirror surface at a light exit surface thereof.