The peculiar character of Minoan civilization, and its spiritual concerns come through in its art. Devolpments in technology can be traced through the arts; simple utility objects evolve into fine art. The splendour and radiance of Minoan art resulted from the thriving economy and foreign trade. Imported raw materials were put both to practical use, (for making tools, for example) and to satisfy the refined tastes of the upper classes (gold and ivory, for example).

Early Minoan art (3000-2000 BC) as expressed mainly in seal carving was predominantly decorative, and dealt in abstract symbolism. But from the Middle Minoan period representational art gradually developed into a more naturalistic form of expression which rendered human, animal and plant figures in a realistic way. The combination of realism, artistic conventions and abstract symbolism resulted in a unique artistic expression. The figures and the decorative themes of this art are presented with grace and liveliness, while movement is often rendered too, adding vitality to even the simplest decorative themes. Thee fundamental principles of Minoan art, elegance, polychromy and movement carried over into the architecture, especially in the planning of palaces.

During the Palatial period, only the most skilled craftsmen were employed in the royal workshops situated in special palace quarters. The archaeological remains from these areas confirm the existence of workshops of various kinds: ceramics, stone, masonry, metalwork, miniature sculpture and faience processing. Workshops operated in the towns and the countryside as well, and there is also evidence for the existence of itinerant artists. Weaving and basketry were domestic industries.

Representational art - whether rendered on small surfaces such as seals, or on large fresco surfaces - generally developed typical thematic cycles, drawing its inspiration mainly from social, political and religious life. These combinations which record in detail the customs as well as the moral values of the Minoans, provide valuable insight into Minoan society.

As far as aesthetics are concerned, Minoan art records the vividness, the grace and absolute harmonization with nature; elements which are attributed to the temperament of the Minoans and to their attitude towards the environment. However, their themes do reveal a certain conservatism which is presumably due to the centralized, theocratic character of the political system.