Women can be “auctioneers” today

Sales room. On the covered walls of Adrianople hang old carpets and old paintings. At the office, surrounded by his assessors, stands the auctioneer. From a distance, he appears like a god in the thick clouds raised by the combined dust and smoke. It smells of old pipes and exasperated human odor. The second-hand dealers hurry and jostle, without regard for courtesy formulas. They form a loyal, bold, surly and sneaky audience.

It is him that, from today (see the Official Journal, new provisions of the law relating to auctioneers) women will be able to face, if he sings to them. They will be able to take the place of the god, in the clouds, raise the ivory hammer and let it fall with a sharp noise: “Adjudicated! » In a word, women will now be able to be auctioneers.

This is a new point that feminism marks. It is not at all clear why obtaining this office was forbidden to women. There is no need for skill. All you need is an eye, an ear and a little madness for the auctions. Moreover, it is a job that feeds its man or woman.