Meaning: Clive Bell, a British art critic, made this statement in his book "Art" in 1914. The quote reflects Bell's ideas on the nature of art and his concept of "significant form." In this quote, Bell argues that a work of art is beautiful in itself and does not need to be compared to something else to be appreciated. He suggests that a work of art, like a rose, possesses inherent beauty and is not dependent on external references or associations.

At the heart of Bell's argument is the concept of "significant form," which he believed to be the essence of art. According to Bell, significant form is the combination of lines, colors, and shapes within a work of art that evokes a unique aesthetic experience. He argued that this form creates a specific emotional response in the viewer, separate from any representational or symbolic meaning the artwork may hold. In Bell's view, the beauty of a work of art lies in its ability to evoke this emotional response through its form alone, much like the inherent beauty of a rose.

By stating that "intelligent people under sixty" agree with his assertion, Bell seems to be suggesting that his view is shared by those who are open-minded and intellectually engaged with the arts. This exclusionary language reflects the confidence and assertiveness with which Bell presented his ideas, positioning his perspective as the consensus among the informed and discerning.

Bell's ideas have been influential in the development of formalist art criticism, a school of thought that emphasizes the importance of form and aesthetic qualities in art. His concept of "significant form" has been both celebrated and critiqued by subsequent generations of art theorists and critics. Some have lauded Bell's emphasis on the formal qualities of art as a way to appreciate and understand its intrinsic beauty, while others have criticized his dismissal of the cultural, historical, and contextual aspects of art in favor of a purely formalist approach.

One of the key implications of Bell's statement is the idea that art can be appreciated for its own sake, without needing to be understood in relation to external concepts or references. This notion challenges the conventional understanding of art as a reflection of reality or a vehicle for conveying specific messages or meanings. Instead, Bell's perspective suggests that the experience of art is rooted in the direct encounter with its formal elements and the emotions they evoke.

In the context of the early 20th century, when Bell was writing, the art world was undergoing significant transformations, with the emergence of modernist movements that sought to break away from traditional representational approaches and explore new forms of expression. Bell's emphasis on the intrinsic beauty of art aligned with the formal experimentation and abstraction that characterized modernist art, providing a theoretical framework for understanding and appreciating these innovative developments.

Despite the enduring influence of Bell's ideas, it is important to recognize that the nature of art and its appreciation is a complex and multifaceted subject. While Bell's emphasis on the formal qualities of art offers valuable insights into the aesthetic experience, it is just one of many approaches to understanding and interpreting art. The richness of artistic expression encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including formalist, representational, conceptual, and contextual considerations, each contributing to the diverse and evolving landscape of art theory and criticism.

In conclusion, Clive Bell's quote encapsulates his belief in the inherent beauty of art, independent of external associations or comparisons. His concept of "significant form" and the analogy of a rose illustrate his formalist approach to art, emphasizing the aesthetic experience derived from the formal qualities of a work. While Bell's ideas have left a significant imprint on art theory and criticism, they also invite critical reflection and dialogue within the broader discourse of art appreciation and interpretation. Understanding and appreciating art encompasses a multiplicity of perspectives, each contributing to the rich and dynamic engagement with artistic expression.