GINSBERG (ALLEN, 1926-1997, American Beat poet) FINE WATER-COLOUR AND CRAYON PORTRAIT OF ALLEN GINSBERG, by Gordon Stuart, head and shoulders, looking down, slightly turned to the left, signed and dated by the artist in Swansea 1995, and inscribed with the sitter's name and initials, framed and glazed, size of image c. 18 x 15 inches, overall size c. 26 x 22 inches, 1995

This portrait is thought to be the last for which Ginsberg sat. It was made in connection with the Year of Literature, for which Gordon Stuart was the official artist. In his discussion of Stuart's portraits of writers during the year-long festival in 1995, Peter Stead wrote in the 118th issue of Planet magazine: 'Allen Ginsberg was probably the year's biggest hit; he loved Wales, he relished Swansea and, of course, he has always been the performance artist par excellence. Gordon places his head low on the canvas so we are invited to study the large cranium of this professional intellectual; again the colours are dark, those of a Manhattan interior. The dead eye bestows an intensity, the moist lip a sensuality.' Gordon Stuart has works in many public collections world-wide, including five in the National Portrait Gallery.

£2,750