The question asks us to determine the author's explanation for the fact that Venetian narrative paintings with religious subjects included the representation of elaborate buildings.
Let's look at the answer choices:
(A) the ability to paint architecture in perspective was seen in Venice as proof of painter's skill
Correct. Lines 59-64 tell us that "the emphasis on architecture so evident in the Venetian narrative paintings was something that local painters obviously prized, largely because painting architecture in perspective was seen as a particular test of the Venetian's painter's skill."
(B) the subjects of such paintings were often religious stories
Incorrect. It is true that these narrative paintings presented religious subject same as the Tuscan paintings, but this fact does not explain the representation of elaborate buildings.
(C) large frescoes were especially conducive to representing architecture in perspective.
Incorrect. The passage tells us that frescos were commonly used in Tuscan churches, whereas the dump climate of Venice is unsuited to fresco, and narrative frescos in churches are almost nonexistent (lines 32-39).
(D) the architecture in Venice in the fifteenth century was more elaborate than was the architecture of Tuscany.
Incorrect. This is out of scope, the passage never compares the architecture in these two regions.
(E) the paintings were imitations of a kind of historical writing that was popular in Tuscany.
Incorrect. The passage states that the distinctive style of Venetian paintings was influenced by Venetian affinity for a strongly parochial type of historical writing, consisting of vernacular chronicles of local events (lines 20-26). These lines suggest that if anything, the paintings were influenced by historical writing common in Venice not in Tuscany.
Let me know if this makes sense and if you have any other questions.
