BEAUTIFUL BISHOP'S HEAD in limestone carved with slight traces of polychromy. High mitre decorated with flowers, face with realistic features with wrinkled forehead, eyes bordered by hemmed eyelids, crow's feet and naso-labial folds, thick well-cut hair falling on the top of the ears in thick strands. Middle of the 15th century (some accidents notably to the nose) Height: 31 cm Expert: Laurence FLIGNY

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.