Every work he modelled evinced in an equal degree his consummate ability as such, though the more flexible treatment--in the modelled sketches for the "Python," the sleeping group in "Cymon and Iphigenia,"[49] and the "Perseus and Andromeda"--may carry with it a greater charm than is found in the completed statues. The following letters from the French sculptor Dalou, the painter George Boughton, and Sir Edgar Boehm are testimonies to the effect which the "Python" in bronze, and the sketch, produced on artists at the time they were executed:-- 217A GLEBE PLACE, CHELSEA, S.W., _2 Mai 1877_. MON CHER LEIGHTON,--Si mes humbles félicitations peuvent vous toucher j'en serais trés heureux. J'espérais vous voir lundi dernier à l'Academy et vous complimenter comme vous le meritez pour votre belle statue. À quoi sert de gratter toute sa vie un morceau de terre, quand près de soi on voit tout à coup surgir un chef d'oeuvre d'une main à qui la sculpture était jusque là restée étrangère? Si j'étais envieux ce serait une belle occasion pour moi, mais loin de là j'ai été trés heureux d'admirer votre oeuvre, et trés flatté de l'honneur qu'on a fait à ma pauvre terre cuite, en la plaçant en pendant avec votre bronze; c'est encore un bon souvenir de plus qui me viens de l'Academy et de vous, mon cher Leighton, car je sais toute la part que vous avez prise au déplacement dont ma figure a été l'objet. Aussi croyez que je suis heureux de pouvoir me dire votre sincère admirateur et trés reconnaissant ami, J. DALOU. [Illustration: "AN ATHLETE STRANGLING A PYTHON" From small sketch, 1876] GROVE LODGE, PALACE GARDENS TERRACE, KENSINGTON, W., _December 11, 1874_. DEAR MR. LEIGHTON,--I fear that the note which I sent with the bronze did not explain itself sufficiently. I _meant_ to ask you to _accept_ it--"to have and to hold for yourself your heirs and assigns for ever," to speak legally. I can in no way express the pleasure I felt when I saw your small study for the man battling with the serpent. I hope the report in the _Academy_ that it is to be done life-size in bronze is true. It will be worthy to go with the best of the antiques. The other study for the singing maidens was delightful[50] as the other was grand. To put it in the picturesque parlance of the Far West, "I was knocked over and sat on." It will be a slight relief to give my words a little form and weight; as I am unfortunately not a Roman Emperor and have not a golden crown of laurel about me, pray do me the favour to accept the only thing I have worth sending.--Believe me, yours very sincerely,