Final answer:
The nine Muses of Greek mythology symbolized divine inspiration for specific fields of literature, science, and the arts, and were revered as guiding figures for creators. The esteem for such inspired arts continued into the Middle Ages, influencing the division between fine and applied arts, and the concept of museums. Museums are etymologically connected to the Muses and serve to preserve and exhibit works that embody the creativity they inspired.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who inspired the creation of literature, science, and the arts. They were considered to embody the divine inspiration behind poetry and music, which were highly esteemed activities in ancient Greece. Unlike other art forms such as painting and sculpture, which were viewed as manual labor, the roles overseen by the Muses were revered and symbolically significant. Each Muse presided over a specific realm of human expression, guiding and inspiring creators and intellectuals.
During the Middle Ages, the term 'artista' started to differentiate between those who engaged in what was considered the 'higher' arts, usually associated with the Muses, and manual craftspeople. The formal distinction between the 'fine' arts, meant for intellectual stimulation, and 'applied' arts, which focus on aesthetic and functional design for everyday objects, became more pronounced in the European academies of the 16th century.
The legacy of the Muses persists in various forms, including the etymology of 'museum', institutions that aim to preserve and exhibit the very arts and sciences that the Muses patronized. Museums have been gathering places for artifacts and expressions of human creativity since their inception, reflecting the inspirational role that the Muses played in ancient Greek culture. The Muses themselves were not directly involved in human endeavors; rather, they served as divine sources of inspiration for the creative process, fostering an environment where philosophers and artists could produce their greatest works.