GERDIL (Hyacinthe Sigismond). TREATISE ON SINGLE COMBATS. Turin, Royal Printing House, s.d. (1759). In-8 of 38(Chiffr 40)-372-[3] pages, marbled calf, spine ribbed and decorated (period binding). First edition with an engraved portrait of Charles-Emmanuel III in medallion at the top of the dedication. It opens with the origin of duels and the explanation of the 3 principles that gave birth to them: the wild freedom of the people, a false point of honour based on ignorance and coarseness, and finally superstition. Father Gerdil (1718-1802), professor of theology in Turin and future cardinal, was the tutor of the future Charles Emmanuel IV. Covers worn with some restorations on the boards qq. pages browned.

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.