Final answer:
The choice that did not influence artistic development during the Dutch Republic is Option 2, as the other options were significant in shaping the secular themes and reduced religious art prominent in that era.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question of which choice did not influence artistic development during the Dutch Republic is Option 2: The aristocracy in Holland became powerful during this time. The other options did have a significant impact on the progression of art in the Dutch Republic. The Protestant Reformation and the teachings of Calvinism (Option 1) played a central role in shaping the type of art that was produced, moving away from religious iconography towards more secular themes such as landscapes and portraiture. Option 3, the northern provinces of the Netherlands gaining independence from Spain, provided a socio-political context for the thriving of Dutch art, as did the increased wealth and capacity to invest in art among more people (Option 4).
The Dutch Republic saw a shift towards secular art due to the new Protestant values emphasized after the Reformation, leading to a reduction in religious art and an increase in genres like history painting, landscapes, portraiture, and still life. This change was because Protestant theology valued accurate and clear depictions of biblical scenes stressing salvation through divine grace over personal deeds or church intervention.