A Louis XVI ormolu mounted mahogany console desserte by Nicolas Petit, last quarter 18th century, the demi-lune veined white marble top with three-quarter pierced gallery above a frieze drawer flanked by a spring-loaded drawer inset with panels with beaded borders on turned fluted tapering legs, joined by an undertier, with conforming gallery terminating in brass caps, the collars to the feet replaced, stamped once 'N. PETIT', 89cm high, 44cm wide, 54cm deep

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.