A matrix panel display apparatus includes plural signal lines and plural scanning lines intersecting each other and, near each intersection point, a picture element including a picture element electrode, a counter electrode, a display medium disposed between the picture element electrode and the counter electrode, and a transistor for applying image signals from the signal line to the picture element electrode. The transistor is controlled in response to scanning signals received on a scanning line. An auxiliary signal generating circuit generates auxiliary signals for increasing effective voltages of the image signals and applies the auxiliary signals to the picture elements while each of the transistors is in a non-conducting state and each of the picture elements is not selected. Preferably, the auxiliary signal generating circuit applies the auxiliary signals to the picture elements during a predetermined period in which all of the transistors are in the non-conducting state and none of the picture elements is selected.