At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an image display device which includes a first TN liquid crystal modulator for modulating the polarization state of first colored light; a second TN liquid crystal modulator for modulating the polarization state of second colored light; a third TN liquid crystal modulator for modulating the polarization state of third colored light; and an optical system for synthesizing the image light emitted from the three liquid crystal modulators; where a first voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal modulator for providing the first colored light with about half-wavelength phase difference; second voltage higher than the first voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal modulator for providing the second colored light with about half-wavelength phase difference; and third voltage higher than the second voltage is applied to the third liquid crystal modulator for providing the third colored light with about half-wavelength phase difference.