Although the legacy of the Vikings is one of war and conquest, these early inhabitants of Eastern Europe were skilled craftsmen. They used wood and different types of metal to create weapons, jewelry and ships adorned with intricate carvings.
The immense Mongolian Empire, overseen most notably by the conqueror Genghis Khan, included many territories that now comprise modern day Eastern-Europe. Items now considered to be works of art were then simple and functional parts of everyday life. Two such items are "Mongol passport," which was a metal plaque with iron inlay that allowed individuals to travel back and forth within the empire, and gold saddles often used by high-ranking officials.
This time period in Eastern-Europe was most notably a period of warfare, and often the eminent artists of the day (painters, goldsmiths and others) were responsible for the meticulous construction of weapons. Because artists frequently traveled back and forth to Western-European counties including Germany and Italy, the German and Italian Baroque periods had a large influence on Eastern art. The Baroque movement involved, among other things, an embracing of classical culture and architecture, and a more emotive painting style meant to stimulate religious experience.
Nationalism at the dawn of the nineteenth century sparked a large increase in the creation of Eastern-European art that celebrated its roots. The Royal Academy in Copenhagen was the home of many skilled painters who trained in order to master the methods that would allow them to create works celebrating their homeland. Although poverty and de-population later weakened Scandinavian art, Russia flourished during this epoch and by the time the 20th century arrived many Russian artists and composers were very well known throughout the world.