which of the following careers most likely combines an interest in art and history?

a. Theater set designer.
b. Transportation designer.
c. Art therapist.
d. Comic book illustrator.

Each of the options may combine elements of art and could potentially touch on historical themes depending on the specific projects involved. However, if we're looking at a career that most directly combines a dedicated interest in both art and history, the closest match would be:

a. Theater set designer.

Reasoning:

- Theater set designers rely on an understanding of the historical context in which a play is set to create appropriate and period-accurate designs. This work often involves deep research into art and design history to ensure authenticity and to contribute to the storytelling.

While the other options can also involve a mix of art and history, they are not as directly tied to historical themes as theater set designing might be:

b. Transportation designer - Focuses primarily on designing vehicles and systems for transportation. While it can involve looking at historical designs for inspiration, the job's primary focus is on the functionality and aesthetic of vehicles for current and future contexts.

c. Art therapist - Uses art as a medium to help clients with emotional or psychological issues. Understanding of art history may enrich the practice but is not a primary component of the career.

d. Comic book illustrator - Involves creating artwork for comic books. Depending on the comic's subject, this could heavily involve historical themes, but the primary focus is on storytelling and visual arts rather than on history itself.

In summary, a theater set designer would typically need to combine both a strong sense of art as well as an understanding of history to accurately reflect the setting and time period of the performance, making it the choice that most likely combines an interest in both art and history.