What are the interaction between religion and art from the pre-Renaissance era to the 18th century?

Question

What are the interaction between religion and art from the pre-Renaissance era to the 18th century?

Answer 1

Art and religion were very infused during these time periods.  The Catholic church had a lot of power and the Popes commissioned many major artists to do works in order to decorate cathedrals, promote the Christian teachings and in many ways use as propaganda for self promotion.  Many people making pilgrimages during these times didn't know how to read.  Art was used to show the various stories of Christianity in a way all people could understand them and through images were "taught" what would happen to them if they didn't follow the laws of the Church.