Manao Tupapau - Paul Gauguin
Archival giclée
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Description
A striking woodcut print by Paul Gauguin, depicting a reclining figure watched by a spectral presence, rooted in Tahitian mythology.
Manao Tupapau, or The Spirit of the Dead Watches, is a woodcut print by Paul Gauguin. It relates to his earlier 1892 oil painting of the same subject, created during his first stay in Tahiti. The print depicts a young woman lying prone on a bed, her body rendered with heavy, expressive lines that contrast against the stark white of the bedding. In the background, a shadowy figure represents the tupapau, a spirit or ghost of Tahitian mythology.
Gauguin utilised the woodcut medium to explore the primitive aesthetic he sought during his time in the South Pacific. The process of carving into the wood block allowed for a rough, direct quality that differs from the smoother finish of his paintings. The composition is flattened, focusing on the tension between the reclining figure and the looming presence of the spirit. The text 'Manao Tupapau' is carved directly into the block, integrating the title into the visual field.
This work reflects Gauguin's interest in non-Western belief systems and his desire to move away from European artistic conventions. The stark black and white contrast emphasises the psychological weight of the scene. The figure of the woman is positioned in a way that suggests vulnerability, while the spirit figure introduces an element of mystery and folklore. This print is a significant example of Gauguin's graphic work, demonstrating his ability to translate his thematic concerns into the stark, high-contrast medium of woodblock printing. The raw, unrefined marks left by the carving tools contribute to the overall atmosphere of the piece, grounding it in a tactile, physical reality that complements the supernatural subject matter.
Return policy
Because every print is made to order, we don't offer change-of-mind returns, refunds or exchanges. If your order arrives faulty, damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it free of charge — just contact us within 48 hours of delivery. See our refunds page for full details.
Shipping
We ship worldwide, printing at the production hub nearest to your delivery address. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — you'll see the options available to you at checkout.
Manufacturing
Each print is produced to order using 12-colour giclée printing on FSC-certified archival paper. Designed in Britain and printed at your nearest production hub to reduce waste and speed up delivery.
Care and materials
Specific Features
Every Solis piece is made to order with archival, gallery-quality materials built to last.
- Museum-grade giclée printing for rich, fade-resistant colour
- Archival matte fine-art paper, FSC-certified
- Multiple sizes and framing options available
- Frames in black, natural wood, dark wood or white
- Framed prints arrive ready to hang
Care & Cleaning
To keep your artwork looking its best:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth
- Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
- Never use liquid cleaners on the print or canvas surface
- Keep in a dry, room-temperature space
- Handle prints with clean, dry hands
Materials & Sizing
Museum-grade giclée on FSC-certified archival matte paper, with framed and canvas options.
- Paper sizes: A4, A3, A2, A1, A0 and B2 (50×70 cm)
- Canvas: XS (20×30 cm) to Large (60×90 cm)
- Frames: black, natural wood, dark wood or white
Manao Tupapau - Paul Gauguin
Artist Biography
Paul Gauguin
Gauguin soon rejected the Impressionist focus on objective representation, seeking instead to express subjective emotions and spiritual ideas through his art. This led him to develop a distinctive style characterised by flattened forms, simplified lines, and vibrant, non-naturalistic colours. Key works such as *Vision after the Sermon* (1888) exemplify this approach, showcasing his move towards Symbolism and Cloisonnism.
Frustrated with European society, Gauguin sought refuge in French Polynesia, where he created some of his most iconic paintings, including *Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?* (1897-98). These works depict the beauty and mystery of Tahitian life, albeit through a lens that has since been critiqued for its romanticised and colonial gaze. Despite his controversial legacy, Paul Gauguin's innovative use of colour and his exploration of primal themes profoundly influenced the development of modern art.
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