The maximum size of the payload field in an Ethernet frame is 1500 bytes. To understand why this is the case, let's break down the components of an Ethernet frame and the factors that determine its maximum size.

Ethernet Frame Components:
1. Preamble: A 7-byte pattern used for synchronization and identification purposes.
2. Destination MAC Address: A 6-byte field indicating the intended recipient of the frame.
3. Source MAC Address: A 6-byte field indicating the sender of the frame.
4. EtherType/Length: A 2-byte field indicating the type of payload or the length of the payload.
5. Payload: The actual data being transmitted.
6. Padding: Additional bytes added to ensure the frame meets the minimum length requirement.
7. Frame Check Sequence (FCS): A 4-byte field used for error detection.

Factors Affecting Maximum Payload Size:
1. Maximum Frame Size: The Ethernet standard defines a maximum frame size of 1518 bytes, including all the components mentioned above.
2. Overhead: The overhead includes the preamble, destination and source MAC addresses, EtherType/Length, and FCS. In total, this overhead amounts to 18 bytes.
3. Minimum Frame Size: The minimum frame size defined by the Ethernet standard is 64 bytes. Considering the overhead, this leaves a minimum payload size of 46 bytes (64 - 18).

Calculation:
To determine the maximum payload size, we subtract the overhead (18 bytes) and the minimum frame size (46 bytes) from the maximum frame size (1518 bytes).
Maximum Payload Size = Maximum Frame Size - Overhead - Minimum Frame Size
= 1518 - 18 - 46
= 1454 bytes

However, it is important to note that the Ethernet frame's payload field cannot exceed the maximum transmission unit (MTU) size of the network. The MTU is the largest packet size that can be transmitted over a particular network without fragmentation. For Ethernet networks, the MTU is typically set to 1500 bytes, which means the maximum payload size is limited to this value.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D) 1500 bytes.