Evaluate the argument

[gmatlbs2015]

Evaluate the argument -
A newly discovered painting on wooden panel by Michelangelo must have been completed between 1507 and 1509. It cannot have been painted earlier than 1507 because one of its central figures carries a coin that was not minted until that year. It cannot have been painted after 1509 because it contains a pigment that Michelangelo is known to have abandoned when a cheaper alternative became available in that year.

The answer to which of the following questions would be most useful in evaluating the argument above?

a.Did any stocks of the abandoned pigment exist after 1509?
b.Did Michelangelo work on the painting over the course of several years?
c.Was the coin depicted in the painting in circulation in 1507?
d.Can the wooden panel on which the painting was executed be tested accurately for age?
e.Did Michelangelo's painting style change significantly between 1507 and 1509?

Answer - B.

I was stuck between option b and d ... but finally chose the wrong one.
Please explain .

This is my first question in CR section. Please let me know in case i have made any mistake/not followed any rule while posting the question.

[prachi18oct]

For evaluate questions, the option which one way weakens the conclusion and the opposite way strengthens is the correct answer.
The conclusion : the painting must have been completed between 1507 and 1509.
Now look for an answer that if true will strengthen the conclusion and if false weakens it or vice versa.
Option b works both ways.
If michaelangelo worked over the course of several years..the conclusion is weakened.
If he did not worked on the painting for several years, the conclusion might be true.

Hope that helps!

[gmatlbs2015]

thanks Prachi,

[kutlee]

This looks like a manhattan GMAT assumption question.