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.

To stay updated on new product sales and auction events related to Paul-Élie Ranson, sign up for our updates. This subscription service is tailored to keep art aficionados informed about the latest developments and opportunities related to Ranson's art​​.

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

Fernand Cormon (1845 - 1924)
Fernand Cormon
1845 - 1924
Henri-Pierre Picou (1824 - 1895)
Henri-Pierre Picou
1824 - 1895
Louisa Courtauld (1729 - 1807)
Louisa Courtauld
1729 - 1807
Édouard Vuillard (1868 - 1940)
Édouard Vuillard
1868 - 1940
Louis-Nicolas Cabat (1812 - 1892)
Louis-Nicolas Cabat
1812 - 1892
Ivan Albertovich Puni (1894 - 1956)
Ivan Albertovich Puni
1894 - 1956
Gabriel Loire (1904 - 1996)
Gabriel Loire
1904 - 1996
Jean Nocret (1615 - 1672)
Jean Nocret
1615 - 1672
Joël Kermarrec (1939 - 2022)
Joël Kermarrec
1939 - 2022
Ker-Xavier Roussel (1867 - 1944)
Ker-Xavier Roussel
1867 - 1944
Pierre Paulin (1927 - 2009)
Pierre Paulin
1927 - 2009
Robert Pansart (1909 - 1973)
Robert Pansart
1909 - 1973
Jules Wengel (1865 - 1934)
Jules Wengel
1865 - 1934
George Hoyningen-Huene (1900 - 1968)
George Hoyningen-Huene
1900 - 1968
Pierre-Francois Guignard (1740 - 1794)
Pierre-Francois Guignard
1740 - 1794
Fuller Potter (1910 - 1990)
Fuller Potter
1910 - 1990

Creators Neo-impressionism

Arthur Kolnik (1890 - 1972)
Arthur Kolnik
1890 - 1972
Vasiliy Vasiliyevich Belyashin (1874 - 1929)
Vasiliy Vasiliyevich Belyashin
1874 - 1929
Léon-Paul Fargue (1876 - 1947)
Léon-Paul Fargue
1876 - 1947
Hugo Höppener (1868 - 1948)
Hugo Höppener
1868 - 1948
Willy Habl (1888 - 1964)
Willy Habl
1888 - 1964
Paul Henschel (1889 - 1982)
Paul Henschel
1889 - 1982
Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890)
Vincent van Gogh
1853 - 1890
Ferdinand Hodler (1853 - 1918)
Ferdinand Hodler
1853 - 1918
Niko Abramidis (1987)
Niko Abramidis
1987
Charles Cottet (1863 - 1925)
Charles Cottet
1863 - 1925
Yvonne Canu (1921 - 2008)
Yvonne Canu
1921 - 2008
Henri Catargi (1894 - 1976)
Henri Catargi
1894 - 1976
Gaines Ruger Donoho (1857 - 1916)
Gaines Ruger Donoho
1857 - 1916
Hugo Curt Herrmann (1854 - 1929)
Hugo Curt Herrmann
1854 - 1929
Nikolai Petrovich Feofilaktov (1876 - 1941)
Nikolai Petrovich Feofilaktov
1876 - 1941
Srihadi Soedarsono (1931 - 2022)
Srihadi Soedarsono
1931 - 2022
× Create a Search Subscription