The photograph was staged by Folberg in the room at the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise where Van Gogh took his meals. He stayed there for the last 70 days of his life. The chair was his symbol for himself (refer to paintings he made in Arles for himself and Paul Gauguin to indicate the presence of the artist). The starry image in the mirror was a motif he used often to indicate eternity (from his letters).
