L'amour rémouleur, fan with animation, France, circa 1780 Rare fan with system or animations. The silk leaf is embroidered with sequins depicting stars and palm trees hosting miniature portraits. In the center, a lunch under a trellis brings together three couples and a small child. The reverse is painted with flowers. Beautiful, richly carved, engraved, silvered and gilded white mother-of-pearl frame. Two lovers seated on terrestrial globes frame a scene of musical entertainment in the Spanish style. Metal clasp. The plumes are enriched with mechanically animated scenes in medallions under glass. One depicts a couple being visited by a love coming out of the clouds; the other depicts a little grinder love. Height 27.5 cm (accidents, wear, restorations)

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.