18th Century Marseille Porcelain Tray Attributed to Joseph-Gaspard Robert
£1,200.00
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A beautiful and historically interesting 18th-century French porcelain tray, attributed to the Manufacture de Joseph-Gaspard Robert, Marseille, circa 1770-1785. The tray is of large oval form and decorated with a charming gallant scene in the elegant Rococo taste of Watteau and Boucher. A seated couple appears within a wooded landscape, framed by a delicate pink ribbon border, small blue flowers and a gilt scalloped rim.
The reverse bears a blue hand-painted "R" mark, consistent with the mark associated with Joseph-Gaspard Robert's Marseille manufacture. The underside also shows a distinctive moulded S-shaped support rib, a technical feature used on larger flat ceramic forms to strengthen the body and reduce the risk of distortion during firing. The fine white ceramic body, lightness in relation to size, crisp moulding, refined oval form and delicate painted decoration all support an attribution to high-quality Marseille production of the later 18th century.
Joseph-Gaspard Robert was among the most important ceramic makers in 18th-century Marseille. His workshop produced both faience and porcelain, including tablewares, tea wares, toilet wares and decorative objects enriched with landscapes, figures, flowers and gilding. The manufacture was active in the second half of the 18th century and ceased production around the early 1790s, during the difficult years of the French Revolution. In 1777, Robert's workshop was visited by the Count of Provence, the future King Louis XVIII, who observed the manufactory actively engaged in porcelain production.
Pieces by Joseph-Gaspard Robert and related Marseille factories are found in museum collections, private collections, specialist galleries and major international auctions. They are admired for their refined French taste, soft palette, delicate Rococo decoration and importance in the history of Marseille ceramics.
The tray presents beautifully from the front. There is wear to the gilding around the rim, a small crack visible on the reverse/base area, and some old removable paint or residue on the underside which could benefit from careful cleaning. The central painted scene remains attractive, graceful and highly decorative.
Measurements
Length: 31.3 cm (12.3″)
Width: 24 cm (9.4″)
Height: 3.5 cm (1.4″)
Weight: 812 g
Condition
A charming and visually appealing survivor of 18th-century French porcelain production. There is wear to the gilding around the rim, a small crack visible on the reverse/base area, and some old removable paint or residue on the underside which could benefit from careful cleaning. The central painted scene remains attractive, graceful and highly decorative.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.
18th Century Marseille Porcelain Tray Attributed to Joseph-Gaspard Robert
£1,200.00
The reverse bears a blue hand-painted "R" mark, consistent with the mark associated with Joseph-Gaspard Robert's Marseille manufacture. The underside also shows a distinctive moulded S-shaped support rib, a technical feature used on larger flat ceramic forms to strengthen the body and reduce the risk of distortion during firing. The fine white ceramic body, lightness in relation to size, crisp moulding, refined oval form and delicate painted decoration all support an attribution to high-quality Marseille production of the later 18th century.
Joseph-Gaspard Robert was among the most important ceramic makers in 18th-century Marseille. His workshop produced both faience and porcelain, including tablewares, tea wares, toilet wares and decorative objects enriched with landscapes, figures, flowers and gilding. The manufacture was active in the second half of the 18th century and ceased production around the early 1790s, during the difficult years of the French Revolution. In 1777, Robert's workshop was visited by the Count of Provence, the future King Louis XVIII, who observed the manufactory actively engaged in porcelain production.
Pieces by Joseph-Gaspard Robert and related Marseille factories are found in museum collections, private collections, specialist galleries and major international auctions. They are admired for their refined French taste, soft palette, delicate Rococo decoration and importance in the history of Marseille ceramics.
The tray presents beautifully from the front. There is wear to the gilding around the rim, a small crack visible on the reverse/base area, and some old removable paint or residue on the underside which could benefit from careful cleaning. The central painted scene remains attractive, graceful and highly decorative.
Measurements
Length: 31.3 cm (12.3″)
Width: 24 cm (9.4″)
Height: 3.5 cm (1.4″)
Weight: 812 g
Condition
A charming and visually appealing survivor of 18th-century French porcelain production. There is wear to the gilding around the rim, a small crack visible on the reverse/base area, and some old removable paint or residue on the underside which could benefit from careful cleaning. The central painted scene remains attractive, graceful and highly decorative.
Shipping & Packaging
Fully tracked and insured delivery.
Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling and secure postage.
Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.
Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.
Questions are welcome.