I believe that the main function of guilds was as proto trade unions: to protect those with a craft. The differentiation of craft and art originated in Italy.

I believe that the main function of guilds was as proto trade unions: to protect those with a craft. The differentiation of craft and art originated in Italy. It was they who developed the academies as a panic response to a perceived lack of Italian geniuses (this was following the death of Michelangelo). Following that France developed their own academies as a means to develop a national style separate to Italy.