The anatomical models of Dr Auzoux, an industrial success in the service of veterinary medicine

Par Christophe DEGUEURCE*
*Professeur, Conservateur du Musée Fragonard – École nationale vétérinaire d’Alfort – email cdegueurce@vet-alfort.fr

Communication présentée le 20 avril 2013

Dr. Louis Auzoux (1797-1880) is known all over the world for the anatomical models made of papier maché he produced and exported over the world. If the models related to human aesthetics are more reknown, they are far from being the only ones that the famous industrialist has designed and marketed; animals, plants and especially flowers, are another facet of his art. Models dedicated to horse had a special significance for the company. The horses made of paper, the series of bones defects and jaw he created were massively bought by the administration of the war to provide the regiments the pedagogical materials necessary to train recruits. Through these fascinating objects, this is a program to improve the breeding of horse that was implemented in France in the second part of the nineteenth century. These collections which were broadcasted throughout the world and made the pride of France are now damaged, ignored, dispersed and now in a great danger of extinction.

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