1. Romanesque art from the 11th-12th centuries aimed to spread religion and bring people closer to God through symbolic art commissioned by the church. Sculptures and paintings used bright colors and unrealistic figures to teach Christian stories. 2. Gothic art from the 12th-15th centuries reflected the growing power of cities as noblemen and merchants also commissioned art. Sculptures and paintings became more realistic and detailed in depicting emotions and movements. 3. Gothic architecture featured pointed arches, rib vaults, flying buttresses, and large stained glass windows to fill cathedrals with light representing heaven.