Civilisation

Christianity and the preservation of classical artworks spurred the resurgence of Europe after the Roman Empire fell.

The cathedral of Chartres combines elements of order and restlessness; compassion resurges in the 12th century.

The Gothic world is exemplified by chivalry, courtly love, Dante's poetry, Giotto's painting and the emergence of woman as an ideal.

The early 15th century marks the emergence of modern man, no longer the servant of God, but creator of his own world.

Pope Julius II inspires Michelangelo, Raphael and Bramante; Leonardo da Vinci presents a cold view of humanity.

At the close of the 15th century, Gutenberg's printing press spreads the influence of such men as Martin Luther, Erasmus and Thomas More.

The Church of Rome becomes a great spiritual force in the Baroque era; artists promote unity of body and spirit.

The Dutch are the first to grasp the revolutionary change in thought that replaced divine authority with experience, observation and experiment.

The rococo style embodies melodious flow, complex symmetry, decorative invention, in short, the pursuit of happiness.

Art and sculpture of the 18th century reflect an age content with the powers of reason and moderation.

The belief in man's natural goodness and the worship of nature has replaced Christianity as the creative force in Western civilization.

The dreams of the 18th century are blasted by a new reality, cynicism, discovering and depicting the harshness and betrayals of the 19th century.

In the modern world, technological advances evolve rapidly; civilization continues to painstakingly advance.