Which factor dissuaded artists from using expressionism in their artwork prior to the mid-1800s?
a) they were more focused on making money than bringing about change.
b) they faced staunch criticism for any self-expression diverting from the assigned intent of the work.
c) they found it easier to adhere to the specifications of their patrons.
d) they were not keen on risking mass acceptance of their work by experimenting with expressionism.

Expressionism came out of a reaction to the Industrialisation of the modern world, and artists felt the desire and need to express themselves through their art. Stylistically, Expressionism encompasses a vast array of styles, and throughout the movement, fauvism, cubism, surrealism amongst many other "-isms" overlapped. In the context of the more formalised methods of representation prior to the 1850's and the ideas at that time in the world of philosophy and writing, I would say the correct answer is: 

B) They faced staunch criticism for any self-expression diverting from the assigned intent of the work. 

As ideas of self-expression were not entirely formed or widely accepted in the art world at that time, I would think that self-expression would have been deemed ghastly or vulgar to such audiences.

Just pretend that your talking to a empty room