To provide a polarizing plate provided with optical compensation layers
capable of contributing to thickness reduction, preventing uneven display
due to heat, and favorably preventing light leak in black display, and an
image display apparatus using the same. The polarizing plate provided
with optical compensation layers of the present invention includes a
polarizer, a first optical compensation layer, a second optical
compensation layer, and a third optical compensation layer in the stated
order. The first optical compensation layer, the second optical
compensation layer, and the third optical compensation layer each have
predetermined absolute value of photoelastic coefficient, refractive
index profile, and in-plane retardation and/or thickness direction
retardation. An absorption axis of the polarizer and a slow axis of the
first optical compensation layer form an angle of 10.degree. to
30.degree.. The absorption axis of the polarizer and a slow axis of the
second optical compensation layer form an angle of 70.degree. to
95.degree.. The absorption axis of the polarizer and a slow axis of the
third optical compensation layer form an angle of 70.degree.to
95.degree..