Scholars specializing in art history at the Metropolitan Museum have engaged in prolonged discussions regarding whether a Renaissance artwork credited...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Scholars specializing in art history at the Metropolitan Museum have engaged in prolonged discussions regarding whether a Renaissance artwork credited to Leonardo da Vinci is genuine. Dr. Sarah Martinez and her research team have lately utilized sophisticated spectroscopic imaging techniques to analyze the artwork's pigment composition and brush stroke characteristics while ensuring no harm came to the piece. By conducting thorough comparisons between the spectroscopic findings and verified specimens from confirmed da Vinci pieces, the researchers have developed compelling proof that the artwork is genuinely created by the renowned master.
Which option most accurately captures the central concept of the passage?
Through advanced imaging techniques, scientists have furnished proof supporting the genuineness of a contested Renaissance artwork.
Scholars in art history have uncovered a novel approach for examining Renaissance artworks without causing harm.
Sophisticated spectroscopic imaging techniques have transformed how cultural institutions verify the authenticity of historical art pieces.
Scientists have recognized formerly undiscovered methods employed by Leonardo da Vinci in his artistic works.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| 'Scholars specializing in art history at the Metropolitan Museum have engaged in prolonged discussions regarding whether a Renaissance artwork credited to Leonardo da Vinci is genuine.' |
|
| 'Dr. Sarah Martinez and her research team have lately utilized sophisticated spectroscopic imaging techniques to analyze the artwork's pigment composition and brush stroke characteristics while ensuring no harm came to the piece.' |
|
| 'By conducting thorough comparisons between the spectroscopic findings and verified specimens from confirmed da Vinci pieces, the researchers have developed compelling proof that the artwork is genuinely created by the renowned master.' |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers used advanced spectroscopic imaging techniques to provide compelling scientific evidence that a disputed Renaissance artwork is genuinely by Leonardo da Vinci.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from identifying a scholarly debate about authenticity, to describing the sophisticated scientific method used to investigate, to presenting the conclusive results that support the artwork's genuineness.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The use of advanced scientific techniques (spectroscopic imaging)
- The purpose was to determine authenticity of a disputed artwork
- The result was proof supporting the artwork's genuineness
Through advanced imaging techniques, scientists have furnished proof supporting the genuineness of a contested Renaissance artwork.
✓ Correct
- Correct - Captures the core narrative: advanced techniques provided proof of genuineness for a contested Renaissance artwork
Scholars in art history have uncovered a novel approach for examining Renaissance artworks without causing harm.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - Focuses on discovering a novel approach rather than the main purpose and outcome
Sophisticated spectroscopic imaging techniques have transformed how cultural institutions verify the authenticity of historical art pieces.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - Claims transformation across institutions when the passage only discusses one specific case
Scientists have recognized formerly undiscovered methods employed by Leonardo da Vinci in his artistic works.
✗ Incorrect
- Incorrect - Says scientists discovered new techniques da Vinci used, which misunderstands the research focus