Final answer:
The best synonym for 'artifice' regarding the art of ancient Chinese painters is 'skill', as art historically combined technical proficiency with aesthetic principles, encompassing both beautiful objects and those made by manual labor or craft.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best synonym for artifice in the context of the artifice of ancient Chinese painters would be skill. The term 'artifice' often refers to the use of clever devices or expedients, particularly in art. Considering the cultural and historical usage of the word art, connected to the Greek 'techne' and Latin 'ars', which imply mastery, skill, or craftsmanship, we connect artifice most closely with the ability or skill of creating something. Hence, the correct answer is D) skill.
Historical Context and the Evolution of 'Art'
In ancient Greece and Rome, 'art' was synonymous with manual labor or craft (techne in Greek, tecnicus in Latin). This implies a high level of technical proficiency or craftsmanship in creating artifacts. This broad definition encompasses both items of everyday use (artifacts) and those we would consider as objects of art today, focusing not just on the functionality, but also on aesthetics and the representation of beauty.
In modern language, the meanings diversify but still root in the original concepts. 'Artifact' has come to mean any object made through human craft, without an emphasis on the quality of workmanship or elements of beauty. Yet, within the framework of art appreciation, these qualities of high skill and aesthetic consideration distinguish a mere artifact from a piece of art and an artisan from an artist.