The book “Thistles and Thorns” is the result of many years of research work, a panorama of the social and political history of Europe from the 14th to the 21st centuries. through the prism of the history of painting. A canvas, a fresco, a painting is an image of society. By analyzing a work of art, one can understand the dynamics of European history - the constant choice between republic and empire, between faith and ideology. The first part of the book - "Revival of Faith" - covers the period from the 14th century. before the Counter-Reformation. The publishing layout is preserved in PDF A4 format.