An image display apparatus in which luminance contrast is produced by the act of scanning of electron beams is disclosed. The apparatus of this invention includes: a screen including a plurality of picture elements each having a plurality of miniature luminescent units which respectively exhibit luminescence in response to the application of a plurality of electron beams, the picture elements being arranged in lines and columns; electron-beam generating means for generating the plurality of electron beams which respectively define the plurality of miniature luminescent units in each of the picture elements; control means for controlling emission of the plurality of electron beams so that the number of the miniature luminescent units which exhibit luminance in each of the picture elements may be controlled in accordance with a video signal; and/or means for controlling emission the period of time available for the emission of at least one of the plurality of electron beams.