Paul Ranson (1861 - 1909) - photo 1

Paul Ranson

Paul-Élie Ranson, a French painter and writer, emerged as a prominent figure in the late 19th century art scene. Born in Limoges, he was raised by his grandparents and father after his mother's demise during childbirth. Ranson's early artistic inclinations were nurtured with drawing lessons from his grandfather. His educational journey in the arts began at the École des Beaux-Arts Appliqués à l'Industrie and later continued at the Académie Julian in Paris.

Ranson was a pivotal member of "Les Nabis," a group instrumental in transitioning from Impressionism to modern art. Along with notable contemporaries like Paul Sérusier, Pierre Bonnard, and Maurice Denis, he helped establish an art movement that blended elements of Symbolism, Art Nouveau, and Japanese prints. Ranson's role extended beyond painting; he was actively involved in the Symbolist performances at the Théâtre d'Art and directed a notable performance of "Ubu Roi" by Alfred Jarry.

Ranson's artistic oeuvre is marked by a fascination with Theosophy, magic, and occultism, themes that increasingly influenced his work. His paintings often delved into mythology, witchcraft, and anti-clerical subjects. Some of his notable works include "Christ and Buddha" (1880), "Witches Around the Fire" (1891), and "The Blue Room" (circa 1900). These works exemplify his unique blend of thematic and stylistic elements, setting him apart from his contemporaries.

Tragically, Ranson's life was cut short by typhoid fever in 1909. However, his legacy continued through the Académie Ranson, founded by his friends in Les Nabis. This institution, managed initially by Ranson and later by his wife Marie, remained active until 1955, perpetuating his influence on future generations of artists.

For art collectors and experts, Ranson's work offers a unique window into the transitionary period of late 19th-century art, showcasing the interplay of traditional and emerging styles. His contributions to the Symbolist and Nabi movements are particularly noteworthy.

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Date and place of birt:29 march 1861, Limoges, France
Date and place of death:20 february 1909, Paris, France
Nationality:France
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Educator, Filmmaker, Graphic artist, Painter, Researcher
Art school / group:Les Nabis
Genre:Genre art, Nude art, Landscape painting, Still life
Art style:Neo-impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism

Creators France

Mary Cassatt (1844 - 1926)
Mary Cassatt
1844 - 1926
Bonaventure de Bar (1700 - 1729)
Bonaventure de Bar
1700 - 1729
Gabriel Loire (1904 - 1996)
Gabriel Loire
1904 - 1996
Hélène de Beauvoir (1910 - 2001)
Hélène de Beauvoir
1910 - 2001
 Erté (1892 - 1990)
Erté
1892 - 1990
 Hipkiss (1964)
Hipkiss
1964
Boris Fyodorovich Chaliapin (1904 - 1979)
Boris Fyodorovich Chaliapin
1904 - 1979
Frank Girard (1947)
Frank Girard
1947
Elisabeth Henriette Lorimier (1775 - 1854)
Elisabeth Henriette Lorimier
1775 - 1854
Théophile Barrau (1848 - 1913)
Théophile Barrau
1848 - 1913
Hippolyte-Jules Lefèbvre (1863 - 1935)
Hippolyte-Jules Lefèbvre
1863 - 1935
Peter Klasen (1935)
Peter Klasen
1935
Benedict Rougelet (1834 - 1894)
Benedict Rougelet
1834 - 1894
Michel Butor (1926 - 2016)
Michel Butor
1926 - 2016
Bernard Aubertin (1934 - 2015)
Bernard Aubertin
1934 - 2015
Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain (1710 - 1795)
Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain
1710 - 1795

Creators Neo-impressionism

Adolf Behrman (1876 - 1943)
Adolf Behrman
1876 - 1943
Hugo Höppener (1868 - 1948)
Hugo Höppener
1868 - 1948
Alec Soth (1969)
Alec Soth
1969
Kay Rasmus Nielsen (1886 - 1957)
Kay Rasmus Nielsen
1886 - 1957
Gaston La Touche (1854 - 1913)
Gaston La Touche
1854 - 1913
Édouard Vallet (1876 - 1929)
Édouard Vallet
1876 - 1929
Dmitri Plavinsky (1937 - 2012)
Dmitri Plavinsky
1937 - 2012
Roland Oudot (1897 - 1981)
Roland Oudot
1897 - 1981
Santiago Rusiñol (1861 - 1931)
Santiago Rusiñol
1861 - 1931
Ethel Carrick Fox (1872 - 1952)
Ethel Carrick Fox
1872 - 1952
Johan Gudmann Rohde (1856 - 1935)
Johan Gudmann Rohde
1856 - 1935
Carl Mathorne (1878 - 1942)
Carl Mathorne
1878 - 1942
Edouard Chimot (1880 - 1959)
Edouard Chimot
1880 - 1959
Laura Knight (Johnson) (1877 - 1970)
Laura Knight (Johnson)
1877 - 1970
Agustín Hernández Navarro (1924 - 2022)
Agustín Hernández Navarro
1924 - 2022
Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848 - 1907)
Joris-Karl Huysmans
1848 - 1907