Walnut and light wood veneer desk on wavy legs, five drawers surmounted by a sliding shelf at the front, double framed top centered by a Maltese cross in a medallion, sides decorated with a Maltese cross in a reserve; keyholes and feet decorated with gilt bronze appliqués, Italy, second half of the 18th century (restorations, small missing parts and damage) Bureau en placage de noyer et bois clair reposant sur des pieds cambrés. Il ouvre à cinq tiroirs surmontés d'une tablette coulissante en façade, plateau à double encadrement centré d'une croix de Malte dans un médaillon, côtés ornés d'une croix de Malte dans une réserve ; entrées de serrure et sabots en bronze doré, Italie, seconde moitié du XVIIIe siècle (restaurations, petits manques et accidents) H_78 cm L_124 cm D_67,5 cm

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.