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A 1955 analysis of paint samples from an Italian painting found evidence of cobalt, suggesting the use of cobalt blue, a pigment not used in Europe before 1804. The painting was thus deemed to have been produced sometime after 1804. A 2009 analysis also found cobalt, but that analysis suggested that the painting might have been produced before 1804.
12.
Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy in the information above?
a
The 2009 analysis revealed that cobalt was located only in the topmost paint layer, which was possibly applied to conceal damage to original paint layers.
b
The 2009 analysis used sophisticated scientific equipment that can detect much smaller amounts of cobalt than could the equipment used for the 1955 analysis.
c
The 2009 analysis took more samples from the painting than the 1955 analysis did, though those samples were smaller.
d
Many experts, based on the style and the subject matter of the painting, have dated the painting to the 1700s.
e
New information that came to light in the 1990s suggested that cobalt blue was used only rarely in Italy in the years immediately following 1804.