[1][2] An allegory, it depicts the apotheosis of the former emperor of France Napoleon following his death in exile on the island of Saint Helena.

Although in reality Napoleon was buried by a stream in the Valley of the Tomb on the island (until his body was repatriated to France in 1840), Vernet depicts it as a dramatic promontory with the wreckage of nearby ship bearing the names of some of his most famous victories.

[3] To the left of the tomb generals Charles Tristan and Henri Gatien Bertrand and his family who had accompanied Napoleon into exile are mourning.

To the right several of his dead former Marshals (including Louis-Alexandre Berthier and Jean Lannes) and troops are gathered to welcome him.

[5] Vernet produced the painting in July 1821 two months after Napoleon's death.