It may hold up the painting (5)
I believe the answer is:
easel
This could be a double definition.
'it may hold up' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'painting' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for easel that I've seen before include "Supporter for the artist" , "stand for creativity" , "Picture frame" , "Blackboard supporter" , "Lease (anag)" .)