Alphonse ALLAIS. 2 autograph manuscripts signed, La Vie Drôle, [1900]; 4pages in-8 (on the back of circulars from Crédit International, January 17, 1900) and 4pages small in-4 (slight split at fold). Le mauvais dicton (published in Le Journal, January 24, 1900). "In the obscure labyrinth of duty, our man walks, walks without hesitation, guided by the Ariadne's thread of the Dicton, illuminated by the lantern of the Proverb, leaning on the stick of the Apophtegm. Never have I known a funnier man of his kind than this bonhomme"... Les Obus-vrilles. Allais quotes a letter he received, signed "Commodore Caporal", describing his invention, "the victorious leaven of future artillery"...

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.