File repoussoir is a term used in art and photography to describe a compositional technique where a figure or object is placed in the foreground of an image to create a sense of depth and perspective. This technique is often used to draw the viewer’s attention to the main subject of the image and to create a sense of contrast between the foreground and background. The term originates from the French word “repousser” which means to push back, as the figure or object in the foreground pushes the viewer’s gaze towards the background. This technique has been used by artists for centuries and continues to be a powerful tool in creating visually striking and dynamic images.