POPE. Prospero Lambertini, BENEDICT XIV (1675-1758) Pope in 1740, the Pope of the Lights. Bull in his name, Rome in Sainte-Marie-Majeure calendes of February 1st (February 1st) 1750, 11th year of his pontificate; oblong vellum in-4 (22,5 x 29,7 cm), lead seal Benedictus Papa XIV hanging on hemp cord; in Latin. Invitation to the bishop of Tarbes to grant the request of the layman Michel Couture, to receive as an oblate his daughter Louise (Ludovica), aged 24, for three years, subject to all reservations. Signatures of chancery.

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.