Video Explanation

Text Explanation

The argument: only a few of a famous artist’s works, according to a computer program, are forgeries; therefore, the artist’s reputation will be unaffected. The correct answer will indicate that the artist’s reputation actually will be compromised by the computer results.

(A) points to the fact that the results of the computer tests may not be accurate. In other words, if it is likely that some of the Flemish artist’s paintings identified as forgeries are not actually forgeries, then the conclusion is supported.

Let’s assume that (B) is correct: many of the artist’s well-known works are in a private collection. Does that mean the artist’s reputation will be hurt? Without knowing anything about whether the works in private collection are or are not forgeries, we do not what impact they will have on his reputation. Had (B) said that the artist’s well-known works in private collections were also identified as forgeries, then it would have been the correct answer.

If (C) is true, then the artist is in trouble, since the reason we consider him a great artist in the first place is because he painted these works. To give a real life example, let’s say we find out the best-known works of Da Vinci (yes, that means you, Mona Lisa) were actually painted by a forger. Our perception of Da Vinci as a great painter would surely change.

If we assume (D) is true, does that weaken the argument? Well, we know that some of the artist’s less-known works are forgeries. That in of itself doesn’t hurt his reputation, since these paintings aren’t important. One could argue, “what if the better known works the museums didn’t offer up are forgeries?”. Well, then that would make (D) the answer. But we can’t assume that is the case because it could very well be that none of the better known works are forgeries. 

(E) is incorrect. It is the original artist’s reputation at stake; if his paintings are forgeries, it does not matter who the forger was.

Important strategy: You might have noticed that in a few of the more tempting answer choices, I assumed the wrong answer to be true, and then worked backwards. In other words, I tried to “poke holes” in the answer choice assuming that it was true. Often, we try to find ways in which an answer could be true, and therein lies some of the trouble on the more difficult questions. Notice, in (D), a common temptation is to add on to it, “If I assume that the better known paintings in the museum are also forgeries, then (D) works”. Bringing in extra assumptions is what can often happen when you are trying to prove that an answer is right, instead of trying to “poke holes in it”. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the following phrase mean: "Some of the works upon which Flemish artist’s standing rests were identified by the computer analysis to be the work of de Hory."

A: For starters, "standing" here is a noun meaning "reputation."

This phrase is a fancy way of referring to the paintings that made Flemish famous. In other words, these are the "works" that gave him a good reputation in the art community.

Q: Doesn't answer choice C simply restate the first sentence of the passage?

A: Let's look at the difference:

1. Recently, computer analysis has revealed that a few of a famous Flemish artist’s works are forgeries, and are actually the work of noted forger Elmyr de Hory
2. Some of the works upon which the Flemish artist’s standing rests were identified by the computer analysis to be the work of de Hory.

So, initially, just "some of the famous works" turned out to be forgeries. But in fact, some of the works that made the Flemish artist so important turned out to be forgeries.

This is a key distinction. The fact that the artist's standing depended upon these works, which are in fact not his, casts serious doubt on the claim that "the master’s reputation as one of the greatest artists humanity has ever produced will surely remain undiminished."

Q: What makes answer choice C the best answer compared to choices B and D?

A: Answer choice C casts the most doubt on the conclusion, out of all the answer choices, and here's why:

This answer choice is saying the most famous work were found by the computer to be forgeries. This definitely would destroy the conclusion that "the master’s reputation...will surely remain undiminished." or "museums...should not be overly concerned."

Answer choice C is much more certain, because it says, clearly, that the works are forgeries. Answer choice D only proposes the possibility that some works went untested and could potentially be forgeries. And answer choice B discusses museums: the fact that private owners may have some potential forgeries does not really break down the conclusion. The conclusion is related to museums, not private owners.

Since we're looking for the best possible answer, we select answer choice C.

Q: Why is answer choice A incorrect? I chose this as the answer. 

Answer (A) tells us that "the computer analysis involved is more likely to mistake an actual work as a forgery than to mistake a forgery as an actual work." 

If this is true, it means that it's very unlikely that the computer mistakes a forgery for an actual work, and more likely to think an actual work is a forgery. This means that, out of a "slim few" that were identified as forgery, the true number of forgeries is likely even lower. Fewer forgeries would mean that there's less damage to the artist's reputation. So, if anything, (A) strengthens the idea that the artist's reputation will stay strong.