翻译： He was by no means above asking the baker for use of his ovens to make charcoal, employed as a black pigment. Nor would the artist sneer at the cook, with whom he had many skills in common. Note: be above doing sth "不屑做某事”； sneer at "嘲笑“
翻译：Thus these valuable pigments played role in establishing the social standing of painters: it was in their interests to use fine materials. （in one's interest 符合...利益）
找主干：Aspiring painters would serve a training period of typically between four and eight years in a workshop operated by a master craftsman, beginning as all apprentices do with the most menial of jobs, such as grinding pigments and making glue.
找出主干：The paintings and chants used in the ceremonies are directed by well-trained artists and singers who enlist the aid of spirits who are impersonated by masked performers.