12 MAY 1984, Page 19

Sir: Charles Mosley's attempt to dismiss the whole of Christian

art in a single contemptuous phrase reminds me of James Joyce's comment: `The Italians never did a. nrhing in the way of art — except perhaps Illustrate a page or two of the New Testament.' Joyce, a notorious drunk, by and phrase-maker, was irritated ny his own failure to get a decent job in Rome, and by what he thought was 'the Romans' chief joke and pastime — the breaking of wind rearwards'.

William Wates

Graveney Road, London SI,V17