LSAT Explanation PT 35, S4, Q26: Zachary: The term "fresco" refers to

LSAT Question Stem

Stephen's response to Zachary, if true, most strongly supports which one of the following? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Most Strongly supported question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

The question type for this problem is "Most Strongly Supported" (MSS), which means we are looking for an answer choice that is supported by the information provided in the passage.

Let's first break down the passage to understand the main points. Zachary states that fresco refers to paint applied to wet plaster, and that the original fresco work of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel has been obscured by later painters' additions. He argues that to restore the paintings to Michelangelo's intended appearance, everything except the original fresco work must be stripped away. Stephen counters this by pointing out that it was common for painters like Michelangelo to add painted details to their fresco work after it had dried.

Now, let's analyze each answer choice:

a) The passage does not provide enough information to conclude that it is impossible to distinguish the later painted additions from the original fresco work. We cannot know this for sure.

b) This answer choice is correct. If it was common for painters to add painted details to their own fresco work after it dried, it is likely that Michelangelo did the same. Therefore, stripping away everything except the original fresco work might not restore the paintings to the appearance Michelangelo intended.

c) Stephen's response does not give any indication about whether the painted details added to the fresco work were an integral part of the paintings' overall design. This answer choice is not supported by the passage.

d) The passage does not provide any information about the importance or status of other painters during Michelangelo's era. This answer choice is unrelated to the main points discussed in the passage.

e) The passage does not discuss Michelangelo's satisfaction with his finished works. Even if he added painted details to his fresco work, we cannot conclude that he was rarely satisfied with the appearance of his finished works.

In conclusion, answer choice (b) is the correct answer, as it is supported by the information provided in the passage and follows logically from Stephen's response.