Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) - Lot 107

Paul Gauguin (1848-1903) Te Po. 1893-1895. Woodcut. 362 x 204. Mongan, Kornfeld and Joachim 21 C. Very fine proof printed in color, from Roy's edition of approximately 30 proofs, the brick color block slightly offset. Maculatures on verso. Full margins [396 x 250]. "In Te Po (La Grande Nuit, also known as La Nuit), a woodcut from the Noa Noa suite, we see the spirit behind a reclining figure, this time in a mountain setting, associated with other figures: to the left of the tupapau [returnee], we distinguish the artist himself, in the form of a specter in a familiar pose, chin resting on a closed fist. By intervening in the scene, he designates himself as a mediator between the West and Tahiti, but also between reality and the imaginary." (A. Perelman, "L'esprit des morts", in C. Bernardi and O. Ferlier-Bouat eds. Ferlier-Bouat eds, Gauguin l'alchimiste, Paris, Musée d'Orsay and R.M.N., 2017, p. 194). N.B.: PROOF ON JAPON FORT. OLD CUSTOMS STAMP ON VERSO.