16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasVery hardSynthesis: why a frame does not settle an attribution

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - Painting X has been attributed to Artist P since 1890. - A 2021 analysis found a blue pigment in the painting that was not manufactured until 1750. - P died in 1720. - The painting's frame was made in P's workshop.

The student wants to explain why the frame does not settle the question of who painted the picture. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. Although the frame came from P's workshop, the painting contains a pigment first made thirty years after P's death, so the frame shows only where the picture was framed, not who painted it.Correct
  2. B. The painting has been attributed to P since 1890.
  3. C. The frame was made in P's workshop, so P painted the picture.
  4. D. P died in 1720.

Answer: A. Although the frame came from P's workshop, the painting contains a pigment first made thirty years after P's death, so the frame shows only where the picture was framed, not who painted it.

Frame from the workshop; paint from after P's death.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The painting has been attributed to P since 1890.
The old attribution, no argument.
C. The frame was made in P's workshop, so P painted the picture.
The opposite of the goal.
D. P died in 1720.
A date alone.

More Expression of Ideas questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.