Question

Which of the following best characterizes a Cartier-Bresson portrait sitting?

• A. an awkward exchange
• B. a diagnostic session with the artist
• C. an intimate collaboration between artist and subject
• D. a confrontation between the artist and subject
• E. an exercise in artistic control by the artist

Hint:

When identifying key characteristics in a passage, focus on the words and metaphors used by the author to describe the relationship between the artist and subject.

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

Step 1: Understanding the passage.
The passage describes Cartier-Bresson's view of portrait sittings as a "duel without rules," emphasizing that the artist has control over the process. This suggests that Cartier-Bresson sees himself as the one guiding and shaping the portrait experience.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) an awkward exchange: Incorrect. The passage does not suggest that Cartier-Bresson views the encounter as awkward but rather as a controlled experience.
- (B) a diagnostic session with the artist: Incorrect. The passage does not suggest that the session is for diagnosing the subject but rather for revealing the subject's nature through the artist's perspective.
- (C) an intimate collaboration between artist and subject: Incorrect. While collaboration is mentioned in the context of other photographers, Cartier-Bresson sees himself as an interloper rather than a collaborator.
- (D) a confrontation between the artist and subject: Incorrect. The passage does not describe the sitting as confrontational but rather as controlled by the artist, more like a duel than a confrontation.
- (E) an exercise in artistic control by the artist: Correct. This aligns with Cartier-Bresson's description of the process as a duel with no rules, highlighting the artist's control over the encounter.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (E) an exercise in artistic control by the artist.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(E) \, \text{an exercise in artistic control by the artist.}} \]