Manao Tupapau

Discover the allure of art with our faithful reproduction of "Manao Tupapau", originally brought to life by the talented Paul Gauguin. Unlike posters or prints, our hand-painted oil painting breathes an unique sense of depth and texture into your space. Every detail, every stroke, and every texture is meticulously recreated, paying the perfect homage to Paul Gauguin and his artistic vision.

Owning this piece is more than just decoration - it's a statement of your refined taste in art. Let the vibrant colors and intricate details of this replica serve as a daily reminder of the beauty in our world. Elevate your decor and appreciate the richness of art with our replica of this masterpiece.

"Manao Tupapau" (Spirit of the Dead Watching) is a seminal painting by French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin, created in 1892 during his first stay in Tahiti. This artwork is among Gauguin's most celebrated pieces and exemplifies his departure from European artistic conventions, embracing instead the vivid colors, bold outlines, and symbolic content inspired by Tahitian culture and spirituality. The painting measures 73 x 92 cm and is currently housed in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York.

The painting depicts a young Tahitian girl, Teha'amana, Gauguin's native wife, lying nude on her stomach. The scene is illuminated by a soft, eerie light that highlights her figure against the dark, ambiguous background. Behind her, the ominous figure of the 'spirit of the dead' (Tupapau in Tahitian) watches over, embodying the fusion of the physical and spiritual worlds—a theme that deeply fascinated Gauguin. The artist's use of color, form, and composition in "Manao Tupapau" reflects his quest for a primal, unadorned expression of life, unbounded by Western artistic and moral constraints.

Gauguin's portrayal of Teha'amana, coupled with the title of the work, suggests a narrative of fear and vulnerability, possibly reflecting the young woman's fear of the spirits believed to inhabit the Tahitian night. However, scholars have also interpreted the painting as a complex commentary on the colonial gaze, the exoticization of the 'other,' and the artist's own role in the cultural displacement and transformation occurring in Tahiti due to European colonization.

"Manao Tupapau" is a pivotal work in Gauguin's oeuvre, marking a significant moment in his exploration of the themes of life, death, and the spiritual world through the lens of Tahitian culture. It remains a powerful example of how Gauguin sought to transcend the boundaries of Western art by integrating the rich symbolic and aesthetic traditions of the places he visited, thereby contributing to the development of Primitivism in modern art.

When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.

We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.