OPERA. L.A.S. from Félix RÉAL (1792-1864, lawyer and politician), Paris August 4, 1839, to Édouard Robert, former director of the Théâtre-Italien; 3pages small in-4, addressed. Communicates the basis of the Minister's treaty with Louis Viardot, extending the privilege of operating the Théâtre Italien until 1843, at the Odéon, the Ventadour or elsewhere, and the terms of the subsidy. Dormoy "is only mediocrely seduced by the thought of going to rue Lepelletier and sees unfavorable chances for the future [...]. He would prefer Ventadour at a reasonable rent. But this news of the award of the privilege to L. Viardot has set fire to all the contenders and all their adherents. Messrs Meyerbeer Halévy are also very worried"...

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.