"We all agree now - by "we" I mean intelligent people under sixty - that a work of art is like a rose. A rose is not beautiful because it is like something else. Neither is a work of art. Roses and works of art are beautiful in themselves"

Clive Bell's quote presents a viewpoint on aesthetic appeals that emphasizes the intrinsic charm of art and nature, independent of external referrals or comparisons. By likening an artwork to a rose, Bell underscores the notion that both possess an inherent beauty that does not rely on their similarity to other things. This idea draws from a formalist method to art criticism, which Bell himself famously promoted.

In describing "intelligent individuals under sixty", Bell subtly recommends that his views are lined up with the modern, forward-thinking members of society who are responsive to new ideas and theories about art. This could also suggest a generational shift in visual gratitude, where younger, more open-minded people dismiss conventional or classical concepts that a work's worth might originate from its similarity to reality or another kind.

The analogy to a rose is particularly poignant. A rose is universally acknowledged as a symbol of charm and is appreciated purely for its natural form, color, and structure. Bell argues that art should be viewed likewise: valued for its distinct structure, the harmony of aspects, and the emotions or actions it stimulates, rather than for any narrative content or representation of truth.

By specifying that neither a rose nor a masterpiece is "gorgeous due to the fact that it is like something else", Bell critiques the mimetic theory of art, which posits art as a replica of life. Rather, he champions the concept that art, like nature, must be valued for its own formal residential or commercial properties and visual appeal. This aligns with his broader theory of "Significant Form", where the combination of lines, colors, and shapes within an art work are what stimulate an emotional reaction, rendering external recommendations or topic secondary, if not irrelevant.

In essence, Bell's quote challenges us to appreciate the aesthetic appeal of art on its terms, encouraging a more sophisticated and intrinsic connection to both art and nature.