FAMILY OF THE MARCHAL D'ARMENTIÈRES - Letter signed Charles Louis dit "Le Marquis de CONFLANS" (1772 - 1849), Son of the Maréchal d'Armentières - April 21, 1825, to Monsieur le Duc de MAILLÉ Aide de Camp du Roi, Pavillon MARSAN: "Being unfortunately plague-stricken, my dear Duc Maréchal de CONFLANS having had measles for several days. I am banished from the Royal Residences. I cannot attend your invitation today and am obliged to agree to whatever is decided! I also beg you to have me replaced if by chance I happen to be on duty next Sunday, pending the pleasure of meeting you, My General, I am your servant and subordinate." - 1p in-4°.

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.