■ƒ NEOCLASSIC IMPERIAL OFFICE BY IPPOLIT MONIGHETTI, DELIVERY FOR ALEXANDER II AT LIVADIA PALACE, circa 1860 In blackened pearwood and lapis lazuli veneer, with chased and gilded bronze ornamentation, the top covered in black leather, decorated with hardstone flower marquetry and encircled by acanthus leaf and rais-de-cœur friezes, opening with two lateral drawers at the waist, The keyhole escutcheons are decorated with foliate scrolls, and the baluster feet are fluted with asperges and each adorned at the top with two medallions, one with a crowned 'A' and laurel leaf garlands, joined by an H-shaped brace; restorations H.: 76 cm. (30 in.); W.: 184 cm. (72 ½ in.); D.: 97 cm. (38 in.) To bid, please see the "Sales information" section.

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.