Final answer:
Historical texts and critical essays provide insight into the evolution of artists' roles and the concept of artistic genius during significant periods like the Renaissance and the 19th century. These texts underline the shift from viewing artists as merely skilled craftsmen to recognizing them as inspired individuals capable of originality and innovation, with their status in society substantially elevated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text that provides insight into the changing roles of artists in society during the Renaissance and the developing concept of artistic genius is one that discusses the evolution of the artist's status from skilled worker to inspired creator. Notable works of the period by da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo exemplify the zenith of artistic achievement, causing subsequent generations to pursue different styles like Mannerism.Shifts in artistic styles were prevalent as technological developments influenced new methods in art. The turn of the nineteenth century saw artists rejecting Classical and biblical narratives in favor of depicting the modern life, as espoused by Charles Baudelaire. Post the Great War, artists and authors faced a 'modern crisis' in which previously held self-satisfactions were challenged by scientific advancements.Art historians in the 20th century began to revise Western art narratives to include a more diverse range of artists and mediums, recognizing the importance of both so-called minor arts and non-Western art. This reflected the immense sociocultural changes and led to a broader and more inclusive understanding of art.