Method of and apparatus for correcting gradation of image represented by image data

A standard gradation correction curve (f(X)) independent of characteristics of an original image is prepared in advance. An accumulated density historgram curve (h(X)) of the original is obtained from image data of the original. A first gradation correction curve (F(X) is obtained by modifying the standard gradation correction curve (f(X)), while a second gradation correction curve (H(X) is obtained by modifying the accumulated density histogram curve (h(X)). A third gradation correction curve (G(X)) is obtained by linear combination of the first and second gradation conversion curves (F(X), H(X)), to perform gradation correction of the image data on the basis of the third gradation correction curve (G(X)).