Small book table in veneer and marquetry of various wood species, the top opening onto a compartment, the reverse decorated with a mirror, the uprights projecting, the belt scalloped. The whole rests on four curved legs joined by a brace. Gilded bronze and brass ornamentation, including a gallery of openwork hearts, a keyhole, corner falls, foliage motifs with stylized shells, a gallery of balusters and sabots. The lock is signed PRETOT, rue Harlay 3, Marais. Stamped on the reverse of the brace shelf by HOPILLIART, 12 rue des Saint Pères, Paris. Louis XV style, Napoleon III period. 74 x 53 x 35 cm. (Shoes to be refixed).

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.