matplotlib/matplotlib — pull request #2291 by efiring (2013-08-10 21:45:19+00:00)
Title: ENH: use an artist's update() method instead of the setp() function

The artist.setp() function is a Matlab-compatible function intended
for interactive use. Its extensive capabilities are not needed
in places like Patch.__init__, where the much faster Artist.update()
method suffices.