Manao tupapau (She Thinks of the Ghost or The Ghost Thinks of Her), from the Noa Noa Suite

*Manao tupapau (She Thinks of the Ghost or The Ghost Thinks of Her), from the Noa Noa Suite is a highly influential wood-block print created by French artist Paul Gauguin. Dating from 1893-1894, this specific impression was printed in stark black ink on delicate grayish-ivory China paper. The execution of this edition involved a significant post-mortem collaboration; the block was printed by Gauguin’s son, Pola Gauguin, and subsequently published by Christian Cato in Copenhagen, highlighting the enduring interest in Gauguin’s work across Europe.

This piece belongs to the renowned Noa Noa Suite, a group of prints designed to accompany Gauguin's illustrated manuscript detailing his experiences during his first sojourn in Tahiti (1891-1893). The subject matter reflects Gauguin’s profound engagement with Polynesian culture and his interpretation of indigenous myths and spiritual beliefs. The title, translated as "She Thinks of the Ghost," suggests an encounter with the supernatural, where the figure confronts an unseen or imagined presence, a theme central to Gauguin’s artistic exploration of non-Western subjectivity.

Gauguin revolutionized the technique of printmaking by deliberately utilizing the natural texture of the wood grain as a expressive artistic element rather than minimizing it. This approach, which emphasizes deep, heavy contours and dramatic contrast, contributes to the primitive power and emotional tension inherent in the scene. As a pivotal example of late 19th-century graphic arts, this important impression remains preserved in the extensive collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. Like many master prints from this period, reproductions of this artwork are frequently made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring broad access to the artist's distinctive style.