Manao tupapau (Watched by the Spirits of the Dead), state IV, from the suite Noa Noa (Fragrant Scent)

Manao tupapau (Watched by the Spirits of the Dead), state IV, from the suite Noa Noa (Fragrant Scent) is a seminal woodcut print created by Paul Gauguin in 1893. This compelling image forms a key part of the Noa Noa suite, a series of prints Gauguin produced to accompany the semi-autobiographical manuscript detailing his initial experiences and artistic transformation in Tahiti. Rejecting the delicate, commercial styles common among many contemporary French artists, Gauguin embraced the raw, expressive power of the woodcut medium. The resulting aesthetic features simplified forms, dramatic contrasts, and rough textures, reflecting the influence of primitive art styles he encountered and adopted during the period of 1893–94.

The subject matter of this work is derived from Gauguin’s own narrative concerning his young Tahitian mistress awakening terrified, believing she was being observed by spectral ancestral spirits. Gauguin utilized this personal anecdote to explore profound themes of fear, spirituality, and the perceived exoticism of Polynesian life, interpreting them through a distinctly European, Post-Impressionist lens. The artist achieved the striking visual impact of Manao tupapau through highly intentional carving and scraping of the wood block, repeatedly manipulating the matrix across various states to develop distinct textural qualities and varying degrees of chiaroscuro.

This specific impression, designated as state IV, exemplifies Gauguin’s intense dedication to advancing the boundaries of the traditional print classification. His commitment to the expressive potential of the woodcut cemented his reputation as a transformative figure in modern graphic arts. As a crucial document of the French avant-garde’s engagement with non-Western cultures at the end of the nineteenth century, this historically significant print resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it serves as a powerful testament to Gauguin's innovative approach to both technique and subject.