Large desk in carved and molded exotic wood veneer and bone marquetry, decorated with stars, bouquets of flowers, foliage and geometric rosettes (accidents and missing parts). The upper part opens with a central leaf with detached column, and two side leaves alternating with four compartments and five drawers. The lower part opens with a drawer in the waistband and rests on four baluster feet joined by a strut topped by a spinning top. Italian work, second half of the 19th century H. 187, W. 133, D. 59 cm

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.