Paul Mazaroz
Mazaroz is an unusual character. Born in
Lons-le-Saunier, friend of Gustave Courbet, Paul
Mazaroz was a patron of the arts, a sculptor, but
he also wrote sociological and economic
essays.
He worked in Riballeur’s workshop in Paris and
became his partner after marrying the man's
daughter in 1853. This partnership shifted the
Ribailleur-Mazaroz company’s focus towards
modernity. Indeed, after the World’s Fair of
1851, Mazaroz discovered how the English used
machines for cabinet making and was the first to
use them in France. Hence, he liked to call
himself an « industrial artist ». This desire to
be grounded in the age and progress of his times
was shown in the book of photography he produced
to present his creations instead of a simple
catalogue of engravings . Supplier of Napoleon
III, his company was one of the most prosperous
in France during the Second Empire
and the 3rd Republic.
