Final answer:
The division between art and craft began during the Renaissance, a period starting in the 15th century that emphasized realistic art and humanistic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The division between art and craft is believed to have started during the Renaissance period. This era marked a significant cultural shift from the styles of the Middle Ages, focusing on humanism, science, and the arts. The Renaissance began in 15th-century Italy, catalyzing a movement towards realistic art through the use of linear perspective and other techniques.
Florence was a major center for the Renaissance art movement, which eventually spread to other parts of Europe. The term 'renaissance' itself, meaning 'rebirth,' was developed in the 19th century to differentiate this period from what was perceived as the 'Dark Ages.' During the Renaissance, there was a recovery and development upon the ancient Greeks' and Romans' approach to art and architecture.
Importantly, the Renaissance era created a clear demarcation between the fine arts, including painting, sculpture and architecture, which were considered liberal arts, and the decorative arts, known as crafts, which included ceramics, metalwork, and textile production, considered to be more closely aligned with commerce and trade.