An image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a solid-state light source, an emission unit, and a selection unit. The solid-state light source is capable of emitting first visible light having a predetermined wavelength range. The emission unit includes an illuminant that emits second visible light, the illuminant being excited by the first visible light emitted from the solid-state light source, the second visible light having a wavelength range different from that of the first visible light, the emission unit being capable of emitting combined light including the first and second visible light. The selection unit selects third visible light from the combined light, the third visible light including the first visible light and light in a predetermined part of wavelength range of the second visible light.