'artistical' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'artisticus', where 'art-' ultimately derives from Latin 'ars' meaning 'skill' or 'craft'.

'artistical' changed from Late Latin 'artisticus' through Old French 'artistique' and Middle English borrowings; the form persisted into Early Modern English as 'artistical' while 'artistic' became the more common modern form.

Initially, it meant 'of or relating to art or artists'; this core meaning has largely remained, though the form 'artistical' has become rare and largely replaced by 'artistic'.