Applying the final coat of varnish to the restored portrait, _________
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
the brush slipped from the conservator's hand, creating a smudge.
the conservator’s hand slipped, causing the brush to smudge the canvas.
the conservator lost her grip on the brush and smudged the canvas.
a smudge was created when the conservator’s brush slipped.
Correct Answer: C
Choice C is the best answer. The introductory phrase "Applying the final coat of varnish" describes an action performed by a person. Therefore, "the conservator" is the logical subject that must immediately follow the comma.
Choice A is incorrect because "the brush" cannot apply varnish to the portrait itself. Choice B is incorrect because "the conservator's hand" is not the agent consciously applying varnish in this context. Choice D is incorrect because "a smudge" cannot apply varnish to a portrait.