Marc Ferrez (1843-1923) was born in Rio de Janeiro. His life was dedicated to the art of photography and he is considered one of the greatest photographers of his time. His production was massive, and his photographs document the consolidation of Brazil as a nation. His career was energized when he made part of Professor Charles Hartt's Geological Commission which covered the north and south of the country.

In 1865 Ferrez opened his own studio at Rua S. José, in the center of Rio de Janeiro, which was by that time the capital of the Brazilian empire. He was made Photographo da Marinha Imperial and his work with images increased through his life. He photographed Brazil from south to north. His masterpieces are the great albums of railway constructions and the great panoramic views of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Ferrez died in 1923 and left thousands of pictures and reproductions of his works.