Biography

French painter and designer. The son of a successful local politician, Ranson was encouraged from the outset in his artistic ambitions. He studied at the Ecoles des Arts Décoratifs in Limoges and Paris but transferred in 1886 to the Académie Julian. There Ranson met Paul Sérusier, Maurice Denis and Pierre Bonnard and, in 1888, became one of the original members of the group known as the Nabis. In 1908, he established the Académie Ranson in Paris, an art school where the leading artists in Paris taught.

As a member of the Nabis group, Ranson was among those who introduced Japonisme in painting and graphic art. His style, which is often notable for its monochromy and the bold use of outlines, made him an important force for promoting Art Nouveau. As a graphic artist, he was a contributor to La Revue Blanche, the art periodical first published in Belgium in 1889. He also illustrated books and did sets for the Théâtre de l'Oeuvre.