Manao tupapau (She Thinks of the Ghost or The Ghost Thinks of Her), from L'estampe originale

Manao tupapau (She Thinks of the Ghost or The Ghost Thinks of Her), from L'estampe originale is a pivotal print created by Paul Gauguin French, 1848-1903, during his initial period of profound immersion in Tahitian culture. Executed between 1893 and 1894, this lithograph reinterprets the subject of his renowned 1892 painting of the same title, exploring the anxieties and cultural superstitions Gauguin encountered in the South Pacific. This work exemplifies the artist's move toward Symbolism and Primitivism, movements that heavily influenced modern art in France during the late nineteenth century.

The medium, a lithograph in black on ivory wove paper, showcases Gauguin’s evolving mastery of the graphic arts. Unlike the intense color palette of the painted original, this print version relies on sharp contrasts of light and shadow, amplifying the sense of drama and mystery. The piece was published as part of L'estampe originale, a prestigious portfolio dedicated to promoting original prints by contemporary masters. The composition centers on a reclining nude figure situated in a darkened interior. Hovering nearby is the looming, shadowy form of a tupapau or ghost, reflecting the prevalent Tahitian belief in nocturnal spirits and the tension between innocence and fear.

Gauguin’s enduring fascination with non-Western spiritual life and his formal experimentation mark Manao tupapau as a key Post-Impressionist work. The strong contrasts and simplified forms emphasize the psychological tension inherent in the encounter between the natural world and the spiritual realm. This influential print is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, making it accessible for scholarly study. As a significant example of fin-de-siècle prints, high-resolution images of the work are often available through public domain resources, allowing widespread appreciation of Gauguin’s exploration of primal fears and exotic beauty.