PORTRAIT OF A MAN Oil on canvas. 76 x 61 cm. Close-up portrait of a gentleman against a brown background, his head turned to the left with curiosity, wearing a dark brown velvet robe and embroidered headdress, a long beard, a wrinkled high forehead and his gaze directed seriously towards the viewer. He is holding his left hand forward in a gesture of display. The painting is executed with powerful, impasto brushstrokes and richly differentiated coloration. It shows the sitter with an alert mind and strikingly emphasized facial features. The face is strongly illuminated from the left, while the dark background forms a strong contrast. (1401441) (19)

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.