Question

Rachel ruysch created still-life paintings, which capitalized on the dutch preoccupation with ________ to make her one of the most sought after and highly paid artists of the period.

Answer 1

The answer is: flower paintings, especially tulips

At that time, the paintings of flowers and small animals were highly appreciated by the Dutch nobles. They are willing to pay high prices for artists who managed to  create a realistic artworks with those themes. Rachel Ruysch capitalized on this and became one of the highest paid flower painters on her time.