"I will try to account for the degree of my aesthetic emotion. That, I conceive, is the function of the critic"

In the quote, "I will attempt to represent the degree of my aesthetic feeling. That, I conceive, is the function of the critic", Clive Bell succinctly encapsulates his understanding of the critic's role within the world of art criticism. Bell's statement is deeply rooted in his visual theory, which stresses the importance of psychological action to art.

To "represent the degree of my aesthetic feeling" refers to the critic's duty to assess and articulate the intensity and quality of their emotional reaction to a piece of art. When Bell discusses "aesthetic feeling", he alludes to a particular type of emotion that is distinct to our encounters with art, unique from other emotional experiences in daily life. For Bell, who was a popular supporter of formalism, this emotion emerges from the formal homes of a work of art-- such as its structure, color, and line-- rather than its representational or narrative material.

"The function of the critic", in Bell's view, is not simply to pass judgment on whether an art piece is good or bad, but to explore the complexities of why and how a masterpiece prospers or stops working in producing this aesthetic emotion. This point of view suggests that a critic's analysis need to be reflective and personal, grounded in their own genuine psychological response. By articulating this reaction, the critic adds to a wider understanding of the artwork's worth and impact.

Bell's technique elevates the role of subjective experience in criticism, positioning the critic as a mediator in between the art work and the audience. This contrasts with other art theories that may focus on historic context, socio-political ramifications, or technical execution. In essence, Bell positions the critic in an unique position of introspective analysis, elevating individual aesthetic experience as a vital tool for understanding and appreciating art. This perspective encourages critics to be authentic and reflective, offering much deeper insights into the emotional power and formal majesty of artworks.