PAUL GAUGIN
(1848-1903)
This proof print is a reproduction of Gauguin’s painting of Manao Tupapau and is virtually the only print to be signed by Gauguin. This lithograph version is acknowledged as one of the great masterpieces of late 19th century graphic art. Gauguin also produced a related image in a suite of ten woodcut illustrations within his autobiographical book on his life in Tahiti, Noa Noa.
Gauguin’s imagery explores the Tahitian fear of the night and the approach of tupapao, or spirits. Tahitian natives believed that the Spirit of the Dead, represented in this image by the figure in the upper right, watched them throughout their lives, particularly in the dark of night. For this reason, they slept with a candle burning to protect them. The model for this composition is a young Tahitian girl with whom Gauguin lived for a short period during his first visit to the island.
Copyright © Trustees of Cecil Higgins Art Gallery, Bedford.
Extract taken from Prints, Cecil Higgins Art Gallery