Gauguin portrayed his version of human life in all its stages as a kind of last testament before a suicide attempt in 1897. Although the people go about their everyday business, the unrealistic colours and stylised forms give the painting an aura of the mysterious.
The boldly coloured blue statue is an odd amalgamation of the numerous artistic traditions that inspired Gauguin. Although the statue's features stem from the Oceanic island cultures, the frozen figure appears almost classical in its position and expression.