The Russian society of the 17th century was one which was going through major changes.
Russia was gradually opening to the Europeans and the outside world, whereas before it was a far more inclusive to it's own affairs.
Many experts from Europe traveled and worked in Moscow where they were given good wages in return for bringing European knowledge, culture and other arts.
It was also a period just after ''the troubles'' and this was a society which had become more critical of religion in itself.