like the image above, the ________ often commissioned works of art, claiming to be in the name of…

Brief Explanations:

Throughout history, the ruling class often commissioned art in the name of religion to display their power, piety, and to promote religious - related values that supported their rule. Monks and priests might be involved in religious activities but not typically the main commissioners in the context of large - scale, power - related art commissions. Church patrons are a more general term and not as specific as the ruling class in terms of historical art - commissioning power. The non - ruling class usually did not have the resources or the motive to commission works of art on a large scale in the name of religion for the purposes described.

Answer:

d. ruling class