What is the primary purpose of accent lighting in a gallery?

The primary purpose of accent lighting in a gallery is to highlight specific artworks. Accent lighting is designed to draw attention to particular elements within a space, such as paintings, sculptures, or other forms of art, enhancing their visibility and impact. By using focused beams of light, accent lighting can create contrast and emphasize textures, colors, and details that may otherwise go unnoticed in general lighting.

In contrast, illuminating the entire room equally serves a different function, primarily ensuring that every part of the space is sufficiently lit for navigation or general appreciation. Creating a relaxing ambiance is more aligned with ambient lighting, which aims to provide a comfortable atmosphere rather than focusing attention. Similarly, reducing glare from windows pertains more to managing ambient light levels and maintaining visibility rather than accentuating specific artworks. Thus, highlighting specific artworks accurately captures the essence of accent lighting in gallery settings.