Virginie VERASIS, Countess of CASTIGLIONE (1837-1899). L.A.S. "VVerasis", [ca. 1857?, to Viscount de Sancy]; 2 1/2 pages in-8. Viscount de Sancy has written her a letter (enclosed) in which he says, among other things, that he has received anonymous letters concerning her. She replies firmly: "I don't recognize anyone's right to give details about my interior [...] and I don't see how this could concern you. Finally, I don't understand what you mean by my old and new relationships. I still see my friends, make new acquaintances. I go on with them if I like them, and I think I'm free at home when I don't ask anyone for anything. I would therefore ask others not to meddle in my affairs, which are none of their business"...

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.