As art and architecture lend a culture part of its shape, so the culture or period in which the art or architecture are produced often shape it. For example, during the Middle Ages in England the flourishing religion also created a flourish of religious art, painting, sculpture, brasses, stained glass and embroidery. These types of works greatly enriched the medieval church in England. Most works of this period were non-secular, but one of the most outstanding art pieces of the time was known as the Bayeux tapestry (c. 1066-77) and was also one of the rare secular works of the era. Its elaborate detail illustrates the English preoccupation with dramatic story-telling.
The Renaissance in England produced architecture that was distinct from its Gothic counterpart. It also shows the social development and ideology of the combination of secular and non-secular aspects of society. The trend was also towards designing structures that offered more comfort to the inhabitants in their design. During the sixteenth century secular art and architecture became more important and the works of John Thynne and Robert Smythson built manor houses and palaces designed for greater comfort, ones that encompassed a symmetrical plan that faced outwards toward a lavish garden. The dissolution of the monasteries and the split with Rome was thus expressing itself in more secular buildings. Foreign artists were also hired by the nobility to paint portraits as opposed to mythical or religious-oriented portraits, and those of Rubens and Van Dyck found few rivals.
During the eighteenth century, the works of Rousseau and his political and social ideology greatly influenced many artists. The themes of life, liberty and the pursuit of ownership/freedom were apparent in many art works of the time. One artist, known as the great political artist of the time, Jacques-Louis David’s, was prone to painting pictures of public morality that would be commis...