The compositional nature of images performing the textual function is characterized by
three interrelated systems: information value, salience and framing (Kress & Van Leeuwen,
2006). Information value implies the meaningful location of elements in a picture: on the
left side already given information is placed, on the right side a new message, on the top
the most salient and/or ideal part and on the bottom more specific and practical information.
Visual composition may also be structured along the dimensions of centre, the most crucial
part of the image, and margin, subordinated to the central one(s). As for salience, elements
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are depicted in order to attract the viewer’s attention in different ways: size, sharpness of
focus, tonal and colour contrasts, placement, perspective and presence of human figures
or cultural symbols. Finally, framing refers to connecting or disconnecting devices
within the image.