In 2005 Edwin Morgan wrote a series of 10 poems in response to a Herald poll to find the most popular painting in a Scottish public collection.
The Skye-based poet Meg Bateman offers her own "take" on the 10 shortlisted pictures in her new collection, Transparencies (Polygon, £9.99). Here is her view of the runaway winner.
CHRIST OF ST JOHN OF THE CROSS (DALI)
I never trusted this painting much,
thought it sensational, insincere,
but it's Scotland's favourite, I'll look again,
intention need not match effect.
Lit by an unsinking sun,
suspended, perhaps in orbit, in space,
this Christ speaks of timeless care,
unconditioned by our atmosphere.
Over fascism's din, Dali hoisted his sign,
but over democracy, I've never sought wings.
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