[CLAIRVILLE]. - Selected collection of plants and shrubs. Avec un abrégé de leur culture. Zurich, Jean-Henry Füssli, 1796. In-4, fawn calf, gilt fillet, ornate smooth spine, red edges (Rel. ép.). Rare first edition of this fine work by the Swiss botanist Joseph-Philippe de Clairville (1742-1830). A Frenchman who emigrated to Switzerland and collected plants and butterflies, he also published an Entomologie helvétique. The text, in French and German, is illustrated with 27 color plates of plants and flowers. Volume I is the only one published. On the title page, a pencil letter from the author signed "Cl..." to his "amico carissimo" M. de Gillaboz, collector from Franche-Comté. Some foxing. Binding rubbed, with small wormholes. Biblography: Ex-libris armorié Bibliothèque M. de Gillaboz (Fideli obsequio).

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.