Paolo de Matteis

Old glue relining is firm and stable. the paint surface is very well retained, with good impastos and strong coloration. ultraviolet light shows retouching in the sky at center and in and area in the foliage upper left which runs down into the shoulder and helmet of Mercury (these both appear to be old repaired tears). another larger area of retouching can be seen at far right center on the white drapery of figure at far right. other smaller retouches are scattered in the foreground. figures have just a few small, scattered retouches. Painting is framed as an oval. In a carved and gilt wood frame with stylized decoration applied at the spandrels.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

We are grateful to Riccardo Lattuada for confirming the attritbution to Paolo de Matteis based on first hand inspection. Professor Lattuada dates the present work to the artist's classicist period, datable to circa 1700-1710, in which de Matteis' Neapolitan roots are evident, as is the influence of Carlo Maratta, whose works de Matteis knew and studied carefully during his many sojourns in Rome.