Art historian David Park contends that the Impressionist movement was primarily a response to the invention of photography. With cameras now able to capture realistic images, Park argues, painters felt liberated to explore light, color, and subjective experience rather than precise representation.
Which statement, if true, would most directly support Park's thesis?
Many Impressionist painters had formal academic training in classical techniques
Claude Monet wrote in 1874 that photography had freed painters from the obligation of realism
Impressionist paintings sold for lower prices than academic paintings in the 1870s
The Impressionist movement began in France before spreading to other countries
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. A direct quote from a leading Impressionist explicitly stating that photography "freed painters from realism" perfectly supports Park's causation thesis.
- Context clues: Park claims photography caused a shift away from representation.
- Evidence evaluation: Primary source testimony from a key Impressionist.
- Verify: Monet's words directly confirm the thought process Park describes.
💡 Strategy: Primary sources (quotes, letters) provide the strongest evidence for historical claims.
Choice A is incorrect because academic training doesn't explain why they chose to break from tradition. Choice C is incorrect because price differences don't reveal motivation or causation. Choice D is incorrect because geographic spread doesn't address why the movement began.