Carcass wrote:
Explanation
Because, actually, the last part of the sentence indeed says:
suggests that this supposed reticence was perhaps more artistic (iii) __________ than historical fact.
This reticence was more formal than substantial. I.E. it was more an attitude, a posture rather than a fact, a concrete thing.
hope now is clear.
Since you say that reticence is more formal / habitual , then Doesn't CONSCIENCE also plays the same role where Artists in their Clear Conscience had refrained from Articulating the .....