For a long time I never noticed the trees and mountain in the background of remake.
Other than to add to the "Intrigue" theme, I don't get the point of adding the whispering women behind the baron.
Yeah, but I for one think it's great that they tried to link so many of Intrigue's card arts with the set flavour. It gives a very distinct feeling to its cards.
Cornucopia does it to some extent as well, Prosperity doesn't even try (but it would have been harder), Dark Ages does it pretty well. Seaside, well, you'd have to try hard not to depict the sea on most cards there.
I think Chapel's art benefits from its role in the game. I also love it, but from an outsider's perspective, I understand how it could be meh. But it's iconic, and fits well with the card's effect, and one ends up loving it.