Context is the factual background surrounding a work of art. A plan of a Gothic cathedral reveals the symbolic image of a Latin cross (on its side in this graphic). It was important that the architect create this symbol because the Church wanted to make an association to the cross, even though no one would be able to see it. During the Gothic era, the Church stood as the dominant socio-political authority in people’s lives, and even architectural planning became an extension of the way art and design was done. The time period and its characteristics influenced the way art was made.