Meaning: The quote "I will try to account for the degree of my aesthetic emotion. That, I conceive, is the function of the critic." by Clive Bell, a prominent art critic and philosopher, encapsulates the essence of aesthetic criticism and the role of the critic in evaluating and interpreting art. Clive Bell was a leading proponent of formalism, a critical approach that emphasizes the intrinsic qualities and form of a work of art. In this quote, Bell articulates the idea that the critic's role is to articulate and analyze their emotional response to a work of art, thus providing insight into its aesthetic value.

In essence, Clive Bell is suggesting that the primary function of the critic is to assess and communicate their emotional and aesthetic reaction to a work of art. Rather than solely relying on technical analysis or historical context, Bell emphasizes the importance of the critic's subjective experience and emotional response as a vital aspect of understanding and evaluating art. This approach aligns with Bell's formalist perspective, which prioritizes the formal elements of art, such as composition, color, and form, as the primary sources of aesthetic experience.

The concept of aesthetic emotion, as mentioned in the quote, refers to the feelings and sensations evoked by a work of art. Aesthetic experience is deeply personal and subjective, varying from individual to individual. Clive Bell's assertion that accounting for the degree of aesthetic emotion is the function of the critic suggests that the critic's role is not only to analyze the technical and formal aspects of a work but also to convey the emotional impact it has on them.

Bell's viewpoint challenges the notion of objective criticism, asserting that the critic's subjective response is an essential component of evaluating art. By acknowledging the importance of emotional and aesthetic sensibility, Bell advocates for a more holistic understanding of art that encompasses both intellectual analysis and emotional resonance.

Furthermore, the quote implies that the critic's task is to communicate their aesthetic emotion effectively, providing insight into the underlying qualities that elicit such a response. This aligns with the broader aim of art criticism, which is to facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of art for its audience.

Clive Bell's perspective on the function of the critic holds relevance in contemporary art discourse, as it encourages a more nuanced and multifaceted approach to art criticism. By acknowledging the subjective nature of aesthetic experience and the role of emotional response in the evaluation of art, the quote invites critics and audiences alike to engage with art on a more personal and emotive level.

In conclusion, Clive Bell's quote encapsulates the idea that the function of the critic is to account for the degree of their aesthetic emotion when engaging with a work of art. By emphasizing the subjective and emotional dimensions of aesthetic experience, Bell challenges traditional notions of objective criticism and advocates for a more holistic understanding of art. This perspective underscores the importance of emotional resonance and personal interpretation in the evaluation and appreciation of art, enriching the discourse surrounding aesthetic criticism.