MAGNAN (Bernard-Pierre) Paris 1791 - 1865 - Marshal of France in 1852. He fought at Waterloo, took part in the Spanish expedition of 1823. In 1862, NAPOLEON III imposed him as Grand Master of Freemasonry. Private letter A.S. "Le Maréchal MAGNAN" Paris August 11, 1863. 1p in-8°. "My Dear President. I was unable, to my great regret, to attend yesterday's wedding blessing given to Miss your daughter. I was attending, as I do every year, the distribution of the prizes of the great competition, at noon. I thank you for having thought of me: I took a great part in the marriage of your dear child and my wishes follow her in her new country. Please ask Madame Blanche to accept my congratulations on this occasion... "

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.