During the renaissance and baroque periods patrons made many of the decisions about how an artwork would look, such as

taking into consideration the constant warfare throughout Europe. Art; therefore, was often used to memorialize battles or to inspire people to support their rulers. Throughout these centuries, artworks were commissioned by wealthy patrons, often a church or ruling family, who determined such things as the size and subject matter.

Yes and no because if you know the vocabulary used you will understand it and go faster but you might not need it