Art Funded by you

Athlete Strangling a Python

Lord Frederic Leighton, c. 1874

The depiction of the struggle between a muscular male nude and a python derives from the story of Apollo and the Python of Delphi. Although the subject matter displays Leighton's knowledge of and respect for renaissance masters in particular Michelangelo, its execution shows the artist's preference for contemporary French sculpture. Leighton used sculpture to further explore the relationship of the figure in space that was such an important part of his representational paintings.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Athlete Strangling a Python, c. 1874

Date supported

2005

Medium and material

Bronze

Dimensions

Height: 52 cm

Grant

21500

Total cost

45000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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