Paul Ranson (1864 – 1909 ) was a French post-Impressionist painter and a member of a group of artists who called themselves Les Nabis (nabi is Hebrew for prophet). Les Nabis believed that a work of art represented the fusion of personal experience with symbolism and metaphor. This practice and style of painting would lay the groundwork for the emergence of abstract and non-representational art. Even in scenes ostensibly based in nature such as Apple Tree with Red Fruit, the emphasis is not on realism, but on symbolism. The limbs of the trees in this picture are like human arms holding apples and the influence of Japanese prints can be seen. The vivid colors and sharp definition of this painting translate beautifully into Apple Tree with Red Fruit Tapestry. (more…)