The restoration of Renaissance frescoes is a discipline that marries art history with chemistry. It requires immense restraint. A conservator does not simply paint over damaged areas; they painstakingly analyze pigment layers, remove centuries of soot with specialized solvents, and stabilize the plaster. The objective is not to make the painting look brand new or to impose the conservator's style, but to reveal the artist's original intent and preserve the work’s integrity for future generations.
Which choice best states the main purpose of the text?
To explain why restoring frescoes is more expensive than restoring canvas paintings.
To discuss the chemical properties of the solvents used in art restoration.
To describe the careful process and historical philosophy behind art conservation.
To argue that modern restoration techniques often damage the original artwork.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The text details the actions of the conservator (analyzing, cleaning, stabilizing) and explicitly states the philosophy/goal: "to reveal the artist's original intent and preserve the work’s integrity."
Choice A is incorrect because the cost of restoration is never mentioned. Choice B is incorrect because while solvents are mentioned, the text does not discuss their chemical properties in detail. Choice D is incorrect because the text describes the proper, careful goal of restoration, not the failures or damages caused by it.