Text 1: Historian Dr. Catherine Wood examines Renaissance patronage. "Wealthy patrons funded artists who glorified patrons' power and taste," Wood writes. "Art served social and political functions. Understanding patronage illuminates why art took specific forms."
Text 2: Art historian Dr. Peter Russo emphasizes artist agency. "Despite patron constraints, artists expressed personal visions," Russo contends. "Michelangelo resisted Medici demands; Caravaggio's style emerged despite patrons preferring smoothness. Reducing art to patron service underestimates creative autonomy."
Based on the texts, what does Russo suggest is missing from Wood's analysis?
Recognition that patronage existed at all
Acknowledgment of artists' independent creative contributions
Awareness that art has aesthetic dimensions
Knowledge of Renaissance history
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the correct answer. Wood emphasizes patron influence; Russo adds artist "personal visions" and "creative autonomy." Russo suggests Wood's patron-centered view underrepresents artist agency.
- Evidence: Russo: artists "expressed personal visions" despite constraints.
- Reasoning: Wood's focus on patronage minimizes creative independence.
- Conclusion: Russo adds artist agency to the explanation.
Choice A is incorrect because Russo doesn't dispute patronage. Choice C is incorrect because aesthetics aren't Russo's focus. Choice D is incorrect because both demonstrate historical knowledge.