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

Michel Dorigny (1616 - 1665)
Michel Dorigny
1616 - 1665
Nataliya Georgiyevna (Nathalie) Parain (1897 - 1958)
Nataliya Georgiyevna (Nathalie) Parain
1897 - 1958
Philippe Derome (1937)
Philippe Derome
1937
Giuseppe Ceracchi (1751 - 1801)
Giuseppe Ceracchi
1751 - 1801
François Pompon (1855 - 1933)
François Pompon
1855 - 1933
Wifredo Lam (1902 - 1982)
Wifredo Lam
1902 - 1982
Mela Muter (1876 - 1967)
Mela Muter
1876 - 1967
Jean Vincenti ()
Jean Vincenti
Nicolas Bertin (1667 - 1736)
Nicolas Bertin
1667 - 1736
Charles Leconte de Lisle (1818 - 1894)
Charles Leconte de Lisle
1818 - 1894
Jean Michel Fichot (1959)
Jean Michel Fichot
1959
Eva Gonzalès (1849 - 1883)
Eva Gonzalès
1849 - 1883
Fulchran-Jean Harriet (1776 - 1805)
Fulchran-Jean Harriet
1776 - 1805
Séraphine Louis (1864 - 1942)
Séraphine Louis
1864 - 1942
Pierre Chareau (1883 - 1950)
Pierre Chareau
1883 - 1950
Auguste Trémont (1892 - 1980)
Auguste Trémont
1892 - 1980

Creators Neo-impressionism

Rudolph Tegner (1873 - 1950)
Rudolph Tegner
1873 - 1950
Janos Orosz (1932 - 2019)
Janos Orosz
1932 - 2019
Roman Julianovich Selsky (1903 - 1990)
Roman Julianovich Selsky
1903 - 1990
Marc Eemans (1907 - 1998)
Marc Eemans
1907 - 1998
Augustus Edwin John (1878 - 1961)
Augustus Edwin John
1878 - 1961
Werner Gfeller (1895 - 1985)
Werner Gfeller
1895 - 1985
Stepan Petrovich Yaremich (1869 - 1939)
Stepan Petrovich Yaremich
1869 - 1939
Boris Izrailevich Anisfeld (1878 - 1973)
Boris Izrailevich Anisfeld
1878 - 1973
Alexander Konstantinovich Orlov (1899 - 1979)
Alexander Konstantinovich Orlov
1899 - 1979
Albert Marquet (1875 - 1947)
Albert Marquet
1875 - 1947
Paul Marie Verlaine (1844 - 1896)
Paul Marie Verlaine
1844 - 1896
Jiri Anderle (1936)
Jiri Anderle
1936
Peter Francis Bourgeois (1753 - 1811)
Peter Francis Bourgeois
1753 - 1811
Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890)
Vincent van Gogh
1853 - 1890
Léon-Paul Fargue (1876 - 1947)
Léon-Paul Fargue
1876 - 1947
Nikolai Alexandrovich Tarkhov (1871 - 1930)
Nikolai Alexandrovich Tarkhov
1871 - 1930
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