The French squadron in Saint Helena, on October 18, 1840

The drawings produced during the expedition to Saint Helena served as Durand-Brager's subject for two oil paintings on canvas, which were both presented at the 1843 Salon. The title of this artwork dates the action on October 18 as the moment of departure of the HMS Belle Poule. However, the comparison of its composition with that of one of the engravings from the album compiled by the artist following his trip rather suggests a representation of the ceremony transferring the Emperor's body to the frigate tasked with returning him to France, which took place in the daytime of October 16, 1840. Furthermore, this identification aligns with the caption used in the Salon's booklet: "Episode of the embarking of the body of the Emperor Napoleon on board the frigate the HMS Belle Poule."