"Street Urchins" by Francesco de Matteis

A delightful late 19th-century patinated bronze depicting a lively and animated scene of three mischievous boys, each dressed in distinctive and characterful attire, patrolling the streets and undoubtedly intent on youthful misadventure. The sculptor captures a wonderful sense of movement and narrative, with expressive gestures and finely observed detail throughout. The bronze displays an attractive, rich patina with excellent tonal variation, enhancing the depth and vitality of the composition. The group is raised upon an elegant variegated green marble base, in stark contrast to the warmth of the bronze. Signed Francesco de Matteis and bearing an import stamp.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Height:                                      33 cm

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Width:                                      42 cm

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Depth:                                      15 cm

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Condition:                              Excellent Condition

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Circa:                                        1890

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Materials:                                Bronze

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SKU:                                            9519

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ABOUT

Francesco de Matteis

Francesco de Matteis (1852–1917) was an accomplished Italian sculptor working during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period noted for its enthusiasm for finely cast bronze sculpture and animated genre subjects. He is best known for his expressive figural groups and character studies, often depicting everyday life with humour, warmth, and a strong narrative quality. De Matteis demonstrated exceptional technical skill in modelling, capturing movement, texture, and emotion with remarkable precision. His works frequently exhibit rich, carefully applied patination, enhancing both depth and realism. Influenced by the academic traditions of Italian sculpture while embracing the popular tastes of the Belle Époque, his bronzes were widely exported across Europe and beyond, making them highly sought after by collectors. Today, Francesco de Matteis is remembered for his ability to combine craftsmanship with storytelling, producing works that remain engaging, decorative, and historically evocative.