Study for 'An Athlete Wrestling with a Python': Male Figure

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Drawing details

Title: Study for 'An Athlete Wrestling with a Python': Male Figure
Date: c.1876
Media: Pencil on tracing paper
Dimensions: 22.5 x 15.0 cm
Location: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Picture credit: Royal Academy of Arts, London
Reference number: 04/1162
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower right "1891" in pencil. Inscribed lower right "No / 101" in pen and ink.

Interpretation

Although an inscription on this sheet dates it as '1891' the drawing is more likely to have been made before the first life-size version of the sculpture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1877. However, a marble version of c.1891 does exist in the Stuart Pivar Collection, New York.

Description

Traced study for the sculpture 'An Athlete Wrestling with a Python' (c.1874-77, Tate Britain). The angle of the athlete's head differs slightly to the finished sculpture. 

Provenance

Bequeathed by the artist to his sisters, Mrs. Augusta Matthews (nTe Augusta Neunburg Leighton, 1835-1919) and Mrs. Alexandra Orr (nTe Alexandra Leighton, 1828-1903); presented to the Royal Academy of Arts, London by Matthews and Orr in 1896 

Bibliography

• Ormond, LeonTe and Richard, 'Lord Leighton', Yale University Press, London, 1975, p.162 (listed under catalogue number 229)