In simple terms, Clive Bell’s statement emphasizes that a work of art, much like a rose, should be appreciated solely for its intrinsic beauty rather than its resemblance to other things. According to Bell, both roses and artworks derive their aesthetic value from their inherent qualities, not because they mirror something else or symbolize abstract concepts.
On a deeper level, the quote challenges traditional views on aesthetics and art appreciation. It suggests that the essence of an artwork lies in its ability to evoke beauty directly through form, color, and composition, rather than relying on narrative content or representational accuracy. Bell’s perspective encourages viewers to engage with art as independent entities, focusing on the sensory and emotional impact they have without seeking external references for meaning. This notion can be seen as a response to more literalist approaches that demand symbolic interpretation from artworks.
Clive Bell was an influential British art critic and philosopher who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work significantly contributed to the development of formalist aesthetics, which emphasizes the visual elements of art over its narrative or ideological content. Among his most notable contributions is the book "Art," where he elaborates on these ideas about the nature and appreciation of beauty in art.
