Paul Ranson (1864 – 1909) led the post-Impressionist, avant-garde Nabis, Parisian artists who fused images of nature, personal metaphors and symbols. Ranson placed less emphasis upon nature, depicting exotic, symbolic or semi-religious themes. His fascination with black magic, mysticism and Buddhism permeated his symbolism, and his fluid, linear technique was derived from Japanese prints and Art Nouveau designs. Also a decorative artist, Ranson created tapestries, stained glass, lithographs and ceramics. Meaning “prophets,” the Nabis influenced the development of abstract and non-representational art.