BEAUX-ARTS - André BEAUDIN (1895-1979, painter and engraver from the non-figurative Ecole de Paris) / Original work on travel envelope: in a signed autograph letter (1 p in-8) dated May 15, 1956, he wrote to "Combat" newspaper critic Marcel Marnat, "je ne savais pas, cher Monsieur, que vous m'aimiez depuis toujours...", and as a sign of thanks, he painted a watercolor on the envelope, which was stamped (on the back of the envelope he wrote his address).

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.