TLDR; At the bottom
Why culture? Show is deeply inspired by French culture, from the setting to how the characters behaves, going as far as to use French words and emphasize the cultures fundamental spirit.
Why artisanship? The show drips with an elegance. The dub performance is probably the best Ive ever seen, the VA of Vanitas brings the character to life like no other. From the delicate and purposeful movements of the characters with its finely drawn artstyle, to the Steampunk Age of Enlightment setting, and the plethora of detailed character expressions. It is a clear inspiration of an artistic nature.
The producers wanted to make the show perform like a piece of beautiful theatre, but in anime form.
Though there is a rather big caveat.
This show caters to a certain audience. Though it is a show of artistic style, intrigue and heavily character focused, it is fundamentally a romance comedy with a major theme of vampires, and that has a connotation with it. A show that will undoubtedly be of the sensual persuasion. So if that is amiable to you, this show should be completely fine.
TLDR;
Phenomenal show for those who can appreciate its artistc approach, and superb voice acting delivery that truly enhances the performance(dub), without this appreciation though some may judge this show as mediocre.
