Francesco de Matteis

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is dirt in the crevices and the bronze would benefit from a professional clean. The figure second from the left holds a pipe which is slightly bent.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Every known cast of Nel Circo is unique. De Matteis introduced variations in each version of the merry young vagabonds. This group is superlative in its playfulness due to the asymmetric balance in the ordering of the boys, which is much less formal than in other casts.

The joy De Matteis conveyed through his absolute mastery of Neapolitan genre sculpture appealed greatly to his contemporaries. Nel Circo was exhibited in several national exhibitions, including Venice's Esposizione Nazionale Artistica of 1887 and the Esposizione di Belle Arti of Florence in 1896 and 1897.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Panzetta, Dizionario degli Scultori Italiani dell'Ottocento, Turin, 1996, vol. I, pp. 64-65