Ranson, Paul-Elie (1862 - 1909)

French painter and graphic artist. He attended the Julian Academy in 1880 and was one of the founders of the Nabis group. His ideal was the development of an art form in which decorative and stylized sculpture, painting and crafts were in harmony. In 1908 he founded the Ranson Academy with the aim of realizing this ideal. He directed this school together with his wife, while P. Bonnard, A. Maillol, and M. Denis were among its professors. In 1892 he decorated the Theatre d’Art, and in 1893-1894 he printed lithographs for La Revue Blanche. Between 1890 and 1898 he produced carpet, wallpaper, screen and fabric designs decorated with stylized plant and animal motifs.