There is no mystery

IMO E.
The main point questions should represent the whole idea as succintly as possible. Only E stands out saying that The artistic preferences of the art-viewing public stimulated the revival.

A is reverse of what is stated in the passage.
B There is no mention of traditional vs not so traditional ways.
C Talent of artist is not the part of the passage.
D Again what general peopleunderstand is not mentioned in passage.

(A) Abstract paintings often include shapes or forms that are suggestive of real objects or emotions.--> On the contrary, they do not contain "recognizable images". No.

(B) The art-viewing public wished to see traditional subjects treated in a nontraditional manner.
--> Nowhere is it mentioned. In fact dare to say, contrary. No.

(C) Paintings that depict a recognizable physical world rather than the emotional world of the artist’s life require more artistic talent to create. --> talent?? hello, no question of talent here! No.

(D) The general public is unable to understand the theories on which abstract painting is based.
--> Not able to understand - not really. The line "...art theories reflected in abstract paintings is no substitute for the sense of empathy..." does not imply that viewers do not understand the picture. They may not experience the same set of emotions that they do on seeing "real paintings". Tricky one though!

(E) The artistic preferences of the art-viewing public stimulated the revival. --> Yes, they prefer realistic stuff.

So, IMHO (E). OA pls?

badpoem wrote:(A) Abstract paintings often include shapes or forms that are suggestive of real objects or emotions.--> On the contrary, they do not contain "recognizable images". No.

(B) The art-viewing public wished to see traditional subjects treated in a nontraditional manner.
--> Nowhere is it mentioned. In fact dare to say, contrary. No.

(C) Paintings that depict a recognizable physical world rather than the emotional world of the artist’s life require more artistic talent to create. --> talent?? hello, no question of talent here! No.

(D) The general public is unable to understand the theories on which abstract painting is based.
--> Not able to understand - not really. The line "...art theories reflected in abstract paintings is no substitute for the sense of empathy..." does not imply that viewers do not understand the picture. They may not experience the same set of emotions that they do on seeing "real paintings". Tricky one though!

(E) The artistic preferences of the art-viewing public stimulated the revival. --> Yes, they prefer realistic stuff.

So, IMHO (E). OA pls?

OA E