Antique Porcelain Figurine , Joseph Gaspard Robert, 18th C.

The porcelain figurine *Sheep Shearing* by Joseph Gaspard Robert, a famous French porcelain artist, was created at the end of the 18th century. The figurine depicts a young man shearing a sheep. He is dressed in an outfit characteristic of the Rococo style. The predominant colors are soft shades of blue and white, which give the piece a sense of delicacy and sophistication. The details, including the folds of the garment, the texture of the sheep's wool, and the facial expression, showcase the craftsmanship typical of eighteenth-century European porcelain. It is signed on the base with Joseph Gaspard Robert's monogram, "JR."
Joseph Gaspard Robert (1722-1799) was the founder of a hard-paste porcelain factory in Marseille, France, which he operated from 1750 to 1793. The main products included tableware, especially tea sets, and some toiletry items, often decorated with landscapes, figures, colors, and gilt.
In 1777, Joseph Gaspard Robert was visited by the Count of Provence, who would later become Louis XVIII of France, and who took an interest in the production of porcelain. Among Robert's works were large vases decorated with relief molding and bouquets of flowers, as well as entire sets of dishes ordered for export. His factory shipped products to Northern Europe and England, where his connections with Freemasonry opened up new opportunities. In 1789, he was elected as a representative for the potters. However, due to the economic crisis of the time, he was forced to cease operations in 1794.
Robert's work is highly prized in the antique market, and eight of his pieces are on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the UK. [Victoria and Albert Museum Collection of Joseph Gaspard Robert’s Porcelain](https://collections.vam.ac.uk/context/organisation/A12385/joseph-gaspard-roberts-porcelain-factory )
Dimensions: height 24 cm, width 11 cm, depth 12 cm, weight 1068 grams.
Condition: the tree on which he sits has one branch broken off, a few chips on the leaves, a small firing crack on the right leg, otherwise excellent antique condition.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.