An image display apparatus generates a first light beam and a second light beam corresponding to image signals for the eyes of an observer, and makes the first light beam and the second light beam incident on a reflection surface which makes a reciprocating rotation about a first axis, thereby generating first and second scanning light beams to scan in a lateral direction. Images observable by the eyes of the observer are formed based on the first and second scanning light beams. Control is performed to reflect the first light beam and generate the first scanning light beam while the reflection surface rotates in the first direction of the reciprocating rotation and reflect the second light beam and generate the second scanning light beam while the reflection surface rotates in the second direction opposite to the first direction.