It is a period that exerts the Greco-Roman tradition of poise, balance, proportion, formal discipline, and last but not least, simplicity in expression. Art was required to be an universal object, one where all cultures across the lands could appreciate. Art was required to be an object of craftsmanship, an exemplary model of excellence and achievement. Art expresses the objective, not subjective (as in music of the 19th century Romantic period).