Antique 18th C Joseph Gaspard Robert French Porcelain Oil Lamp Neptune & Mermaid

A stunning circa late 1700s French porcelain oil lamp bearing the mark of Joseph Gaspard Robert with brass Duplex burner. Features a sea scene with Neptune in his chariot with mermaid & cherubs in relief. In lovely condition with no cracks or chips. Joseph Gaspard Robert operated a pottery in Marseilles from about 1750 to 1793. He collaborated with André Estieu, whom his mother had married after being widowed. He took over from 1761, and led the pottery into a prodigious expansion. In 1777 Joseph was visited by the Count of Provence, later Louis XVIII who found that he was busily engaged in manufacturing porcelain. His work included large vases decorated with relief work and bouquets of flowers.

His factory exported to Northern Europe and England, where his links with Freemasonry opened opportunities for him. In 1789, he was elected deputy to represent the potters. Faced with the economic crisis of the time, he was forced to cease operations in 1794.

---