The art in Magic: The Gathering followed a very similar arc. Cards have absolutely amazing art today in terms of technique, but many older cards conveyed a sense of charm and whimsy that's gone now.
This is why I often end up with lots of old lands in my newer decks. I just love the way they're drawn. My friends don't get it, but to me the art is just so much more.
That said, the newer sets do still produce art with that charm from time to time. But it's much rarer than it used to be.
That said, the newer sets do still produce art with that charm from time to time. But it's much rarer than it used to be.