The Aesthetic Emotion

Read the following quote from art theorist Clive Bell.

“I shall suggest…that some people may, occasionally, see in nature what we see in art, and feel for her an aesthetic emotion; but I am satisfied that, as a rule, most people feel a very different kind of emotion for birds and flowers and the wings of butterflies from that which they feel for pictures, pots, temples and statues. Why these beautiful things do not move us as works of art move us is another, and not an aesthetic, question.”

Having read the quote, answer the following questions in a 1 page essay.

What emotions have you felt looking at nature, such as a beautiful sunset, or a gorgeous mountain scene, or an entrancing river scene?

In the course of viewing landscape works of art, whether paintings or photography, have you felt some of the same kind of emotions? If not, focus on the emotions you do feel when viewing nature.

If you have felt some of the same emotions viewing nature and art, describe them and tell why you think art and nature can evoke some of the same emotions.

Format: 1 page minimum. Double spaced. 12 point font. Title centered.