French entrepreneur who introduced the concept of luxury perfumery and founded the House of Coty, revolutionizing the perfume industry.
Procopio Cut, a Sicilian chef, is revered as the founder of the oldest extant café in Paris, Café Procope, which he established in 1686. This iconic establishment went on to become the first literary coffeehouse in Paris, attracting an array of notable figures from the world of arts, politics, and literature.
Born on February 9, 1651, in Sicily, Cut's early life is shrouded in mystery. Some sources claim he was born near Mount Etna, while others suggest he hailed from Palermo or Aci Trezza. However, a certificate of baptism confirms his birth in the parish church of Aci Trezza, with his first name as Francesco and surname as Cut, a common Sicilian surname.
It was his admiration for the Byzantine historian Procopius that inspired Cut to adopt the name Procopio. Procopius' Secret History, which exposed the scandals of Emperor Justinian I's court, had been recently published in 1623, and Cut was fascinated by the historian's work.
In 1686, Cut opened Café Procope, which quickly became a hub for intellectuals, writers, and artists. The café's walls soon bore witness to lively debates, passionate discussions, and creative brainstorming sessions. It was here that the likes of Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau would gather to exchange ideas and shape the Enlightenment movement.
The café's success can be attributed to Cut's innovative approach to customer service. He introduced the concept of serving coffee in cups, rather than bowls, and created a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged patrons to linger and engage in stimulating conversations.
On February 26, 1675, Cut married Marguerite Croun in the Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris. The couple had eight children together before Marguerite's passing in 1696. Cut's marriage record reveals his father, Onofrio Cut, and mother, Domenica Semarqua, as witnesses.
Throughout his life, Cut remained dedicated to his craft, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and patrons alike. His legacy extends far beyond the walls of Café Procope, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the city's cultural and literary landscape.
Cut's pioneering spirit and commitment to fostering intellectual exchange have had a lasting impact on Parisian society. Café Procope remains an institution, continuing to inspire generations of writers, artists, and thinkers.
In conclusion, Procopio Cut's remarkable journey from Sicily to Paris has left an indelible mark on the world of cuisine, literature, and culture. His innovative approach to café ownership and his dedication to creating a space for intellectual discourse have cemented his place in history as a true visionary.
77 Years Old
French luxury goods mogul and art connoisseur who chairs the world's largest luxury goods company, LVMH, and is one of the richest people in the world.
