John Sell Cotman and Studio (1782-1842) British. "Study of an Artist Standing in a Studio with his Portfolios", Watercolour, Inscribed on labels verso, 14" x 10" (35.5 x 25.4cm). Provenance: JJ Cotman; Spelman, Norwich, 16 May 1861, probably lot 79; Palmer, by 1873; with J.Palser & Son; Anonymous Sale, Sotheby's, London 10 April 1997, lot 71 (as ME Cotman); Anonymous sale Sotheby's, Olympia, 24 September 1997, lot 485; Anonymous sale, G A Key, Aylsham, 13 February 1998, lot 570; Christie's, 9th December 2015, lot 189

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.