CARON, Louis (1848-1917)

Self-taught artist Louis Caron learned the fundamentals of architecture through textbooks and working for his father, who was a building contractor. In 1887, he became both an architect and a businessman upon founding the company Louis Caron et fils. His work includes the home of Wilfrid Laurier, built in Arthabaska in 1876; the Nicolet cathedral, completed between 1905 and 1909; as well as several chapels, presbyteries and convents. Caron was also a sculptor, fashioning the altar, pulpit and confessional of the Saint-Christophe church in Arthabaska.