





Manao Tupapau
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About Reproduction
Add classic artistic charm to your space with a hand-painted reproduction of Manao Tupapau by Paul Gauguin. Unlike mass-produced posters or prints, this oil painting reproduction is brought to life by skilled artists who meticulously recreate every brushstroke, texture, and color from the original masterpiece. The result is a visually stunning artwork that adds depth, character, and authenticity to any room.
Owning this Paul Gauguin replica is more than just decorating your wall — it's a reflection of your appreciation for fine craftsmanship and timeless beauty. Whether displayed in your living room, study, hallway, or office, this piece enriches your space with elegance and visual harmony.
Let Manao Tupapau transform your home into a place where classic art and personal style meet. Experience the emotional impact and visual warmth that only hand-painted oil art can provide. Curious about the master behind this timeless piece? Discover more about Paul Gauguin and explore the artistic legacy that continues to inspire generations.
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Painting Description
"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.
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Lead Time & Shipping
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.
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Return & Refund
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.