The cultural and artistic production of the 17th and early 18th centuries in the West is often described by what term?

Baroque

Explanation:

Baroque is a style of  music, painting, architecture and other forms of art that was constructed from early 17th century to early 18th century (till 1740s).  The baroque style achieved a sense of awe by the use of deep color, contrast, movement and excessive detailing. This style started from Rome and spread to other regions like France, Spain, Germany and Russia. The Baroque style then evolved into a more sophisticated style called Rococo, beginning from the 1930s.

the first question's answer is a.