Gustave FLOURENS (1838-1871) one of the leaders of the Commune. L.A.S., [Paris] September 23, 1870, to a friend; 1page in-8, headed Garde Nationale de la Seine. The future Communard attempts to save Paris, which has been under siege for five days by the Prussians. "Here is a friend of mine who has an admirable plan to save us, the only saving plan that exists, and who needs your support to do so. Help him, you will save the Republic, and by your influence as a member of the government, give him the means to succeed"...

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.