Paul Ranson Collection
Paul Ranson (1861–1909), a founding member of the Nabis group, nicknamed by his peers “the more Japanese than the Japanese Nabis,” found in the decorative arts a privileged mode of expression, more so than any other member of the group. Wallpapers, tapestries, stained glass, decorative panels, and even puppets—he was also a set designer.
His workshop, nicknamed “The Temple”, where the group met, was an opportunity to engage in more or less occult ceremonies while indulging in the pranks they were accustomed to.
A true promoter of Art Nouveau, he infused the variety of media he used to express himself with an inspiration drawn from nature, but also a taste for symbols, as well as a marked interest in theosophy, esotericism, occultism and magic.
Suffering from health problems, burdened by financial difficulties, and seemingly ill-suited to the society of his time, he took refuge in a dreamlike world populated by fantastical creatures. To help him, his Nabis friends opened a painting academy bearing his name, of which he would become the director.
Collection and work in close collaboration and with the kind permission of the Quimper Museum of Fine Arts
