Manao Tupapau (She is Haunted by a Spirit) 1893 - 1894

Paul Gauguin created this woodcut entitled *Manao Tupapau (She is Haunted by a Spirit)* using black ink on paper. The stark contrast between the black and white tones immediately evokes a sense of unease and mystery. The composition centers on the reclining nude figure of a Tahitian woman, her posture and expression suggesting a profound psychological distress. Gauguin employs the woodcut medium to its full potential, using bold lines and textures to define forms and create a sense of depth. The flattened perspective and simplified shapes contribute to the dreamlike quality of the scene, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. The rough texture of the woodcut adds a tactile dimension to the image, enhancing its emotional impact and underscoring Gauguin's exploration of primal fears and cultural anxieties. This work highlights the capability of the artist to create emotionally charged images through elemental forms.