15 JUNE 1991, Page 32

Late Gower Arm confined below shoulder level As if winged,

the slight Lopsided air of a seabird Caught in an oilslick. 'Late' Gower, As of a painting by Monet, a 'serial' Whose shuffled images delight Through inconstancy, variety of light.

Giambattista Tiepolo In his 'Continence of Scipio' created Just such a head and halo.

For this descendant no confines Of canvas, but increasing worry lines, Low gravity of a burglar.

Stance, posture combine To suggest a feline Not cerebral intelligence. A hedonist In his autumn, romance lightly worn, And now first signs of tristesse, Faint strains of a hunting horn.

Alan Ross