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The power and influence of the Holy Roman Empire began to diminish during the 17^th Century. Even so, explorers, adventurers, and refugees from Spain, France, England and other countries continued to engage in battles for dominance over other regions, including the Americas.

The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) was a significant conflict. Taking place primarily on German lands, it disrupted all church, social, and economic institutions. Germany recovered slowly from the devastation of the war. For years, it remained divided into many semi-independent entities that were nominally within the Holy Roman Empire.

Italy and France both had significant musical and cultural influence throughout Europe. Patronage of the arts included church, civic, and business interests.

Great writers representative of the age were:

• John Donne.
• John Dryden.
• John Bunyan.
• John Milton (England).
• Miguel de Cervantes (Spain).

Architecture flourished with the designs of Christopher Wren (England).

Significantly influencing the culture were artists such as:

• Giovanni Bernini (Italy).
• Rembrandt Harmensz (the Netherlands).
• Peter Paul Rubens (Flanders).
• Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
• Francisco de Zurbarán (Spain).

Monarchs and the church continued to serve as patrons of the arts, but provincial rulers, civic leaders, and members of the business community increasingly became a source of support.

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