What conclusion can be drawn about Europe and China based on their artistic representations during this period?

The conclusion that both Europe and China legitimized their rule through religious or ethical beliefs during this period is supported by the artistic representations that emerged in each culture. In Europe, especially during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, art often depicted religious themes, showcasing biblical figures and events that reinforced the authority of the Church and the divine right of kings. Such artworks served to reinforce social hierarchies and the moral underpinnings of governance, thus linking power to religion.

In China, especially under emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, artistic traditions included representations of Confucian values, ancestor worship, and themes that emphasized the harmony between the ruler and the universe. This connection of art to governance ensured that cultural productions were not merely aesthetic but also reinforced the moral and ethical foundations of political legitimacy.

Art served as a vehicle for both cultures to express and maintain social order, identity, and the acceptance of their ruling structures through religious or philosophical frameworks. Therefore, the artistic output of both regions reflected a deep intertwining of art, ethics, and rule.