Morey, Matthieu Prosper. Charpente de la cathedrale de Messine. Paris, Didot, 1841. In 2nd (570 x 397 mm); [2], 7, [3] pages. Text within chromolithographic frame, 8 chromolithographic plates (small defects.) Coeval binding in red half morocco, percalline plates, friezes and title in gold (small defects). Heraldic stamp. First edition. Twyman, History of Chromolithography, S. 132:"... one of the earliest French books on the decorative arts to make use of chromolithography, includes some fine examples of flatcolour lithography in more limited range of workings ... The book's stylish title-page and introductory pages, all printed letterpress in modern-face types, broke new ground with their red, blue, and gold lithographed borders."

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.