The foremost or supreme artist; a master of the artistic crafts.
From arch- (principal, chief) + artist (from Latin ars 'art' + -ist 'one who practices'). The term emerged in Renaissance Europe to distinguish great masters from ordinary craftspeople. It reflects the elevation of art as a worthy discipline.
During the Renaissance, people started using 'archartist' to separate true masters like Michelangelo from common painters—it was basically the 'elite' stamp of approval that said you weren't just good, you were *supreme*.
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