Question

in 1913, the armory show, an international exhibit of modern art, introduced to the united states works by european painters, challenging traditional ideas of art. in a layman’s view of an art exhibition, president theodore roosevelt offered his views on these artworks, and in doing so, commented on change, rebellion, and social progress.
from a layman’s view
of an art exhibition
by theodore roosevelt
the recent international exhibition of modern art in new york was really noteworthy. messrs. davies, kuhn, gregg, and their fellow members of the association of american painters and sculptors have done a work of very real value in securing such an exhibition of the works
on pages 5 and 6, how do the two underlined phrases contribute to the tone of the passage?
they convey a tone of ridicule by mocking the rigidity of conventions for their tendency to limit creativity and turn away new artists.
they convey a tone of irony by stating that the standards suppress new artists while proceeding to criticize new artworks for their extremism.
they convey a condescending tone by criticizing the conventional art establishment for their failure to recognize the limits of the standards.
they convey a cynical tone by noting that the standards are outdated and expressing bitterness about the prospects that art will change.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze the tone conveyed by the underlined phrases (not fully visible here, but from context of the passage about modern art challenging traditions). The option about irony fits as it involves a contrast: standards suppress new artists yet criticize new art for extremism, creating an ironic tone. Other options: ridicule (too harsh), condescending (implies superiority not shown), cynical (bitterness not the focus here). So the option with irony is correct.

Answer:

The option: "They convey a tone of irony by stating that the standards suppress new artists while proceeding to criticize new artworks for their extremism."