Architect's cabinet in veneered wood, inlaid on all sides in filleted frames. It opens on the front with a wide pull-tab topped by a row of six open compartments, two drawers on a row topped by a flap, and a pull-tab and two drawers on each side. The mock-fluted, sheathed uprights are joined by a crotch shelf fitted with two side drawers, the back is screened, and the legs are sheathed. The green leather-trimmed flap reveals a large locker surrounded by eight small drawers. The top is encircled by an openwork brass gallery. Stamped by Nicolas PETIT, Maître in 1761. Louis XVI period. Height 131 cm Width 122 cm Depth 72 cm (Cracks, missing keyhole). Provenance: Château de Sassy, Orne. Expert : Antoine LESCOP de MOY

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.