PURPOSE: To make an accurate observation over the details of an animation by performing the display of partial picture of different gradations in the set area in an original picture without deteriorating the image and contrast of the entire original picture.

CONSTITUTION: The picture display device is provided with a digital picture data 1, gradation conversion table memory 2 for the picture data, display monitor for picture data after the gradation conversion. In displaying the animation from the picture data 1, the required area in the original picture is set by an area setting circuit 5. A CPU 8 accepts the information and a conversion table preparation circuit 6 prepares the conversion function according to the density to the surrounding area by using a central value of the picture density in the area, and then it is written in a gradation conversion table memory (partial, image) 2b. The CPU 8 controls a changeover timing preparation circuit 7 to switch the entire image 2a and the partial image 2b of the gradation conversion table memory. The partial image is outputted to the set area in the original picture.