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Clive Bell’s theory of art has similarities to both Plato and Tolstoy. His overall concept for
what makes something art is almost identical to Tolstoy’s. Bell believes that a work of art
is something that provokes emotion. Anything that elicits an emotion, whether good or
bad, is considered a work of art by Bell. Bells theory of art is also similar to Tolstoy’s
because they both believe art is personal. Each person will elicit different emotions to the
same work of art. Some people may not elicit any emotion when looking at a painting.
This same painting can cause a different person to elicit emotion. This is because people
have had different experiences and will relate differently to art. However, we cannot have a
desire for this object in order for it to be considered art. If we have an attachment to this
object, then the emotions that it provokes will be misleading. For example, a beautiful girl
would provoke an emotion but since we have a desire to want that girl, it would not be
classified as art. A work of art is something that we have an appreciation for its beauty but
at the same time, we have no desire to want or own it.
Since art is personal and causes people to elicit emotion, then the goal of an artist should
be to create a work of art that causes many people to elicit or emotion. I agree with Bell in
this sense. Art should be a relatable topic to the common person so that they can feel
