Question

Researchers Dr. Anne Bailey and Dr. Richard Thomas analyzed the artwork techniques used in Renaissance frescoes. They observed that while most frescoes were painted on plaster mixed from local lime, the pigments used for detailing and highlights were often imported from distant regions. They concluded that Renaissance artists deliberately chose these special pigments for their vividness and quality, even though it required importing them from afar.

Which finding, if true, would *most* strongly support the researchers' conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Frescoes discovered in areas known to be far from pigment sources contained only locally available pigments and had less vibrant colors.

Answer

Some of the most vibrant pigments found in Renaissance frescoes were known to be extracted from semi-precious stones that were only available in certain regions.

Answer

Analysis of Renaissance frescoes shows that the special pigments used in detailing were chemically distinct from the pigments used in the broader fresco.

Answer

Detailed records from the Renaissance period show that imported pigments were significantly more expensive than locally sourced pigments.

Question 17 - Reading and Writing Practice Test for the SAT Exam