Question

choose the word to fill in the blank, which best completes the sentence
like the image above, the ________ often commissioned works of art, claiming to be in the name of religion
a non - ruling class\t\t\tc monks and priests
b church patrons\t\t\td ruling class

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option a (non - ruling class): They typically lacked the resources to commission art on a large scale, so this is incorrect.
• Option b (church patrons): While the church did commission art, the ruling class often used religious pretexts to commission art for their own prestige and power - related reasons, so this is not the best fit.
• Option c (nuns and priests): They were part of the church structure but usually didn't have the broad power and resources to commission art as a group in the way the ruling class did.
• Option d (ruling class): The ruling class (like nobles, monarchs) had the wealth and power to commission art. They often claimed it was for religious purposes (to gain religious favor or show piety) while also enhancing their own status. The image seems to be a religious - themed artwork, and the ruling class was known for commissioning such art under the guise of religion.

Answer:

d. ruling class