The group that are guarding Napoleon in the Orchardson painting appear to have caught the emperor with curiosity; he is perhaps contemplating his fate as he looks out to sea. Here the viewer is instantly drawn to the telescope lying on the left-hand side of the ship, this was probably a piece of equipment Napoleon used many times to stare out to enemies when in battle, it is obvious he needs not such equipment to help him see what is before him.
What I think is important in both paintings are the weather, for Turner especially; the weather is a main theme of, War. The Exile and The Rock Limpet. Joseph Malford William Turner, a recluse devoted to his work, famed for painting the weather, Weather and atmospheric effects were the hallmark of his career. The colours used to demonstrate the sky are beautiful in this painting, its seems that the sun is creating the colours in the sky and that therefore the sun must be an important theme in the painting. Turner depicts a sunset, which is a metaphor for the sun setting on Napoleon's day, this is interesting as in the Orchardson painting the sun is not present, vanished from sight, there is not even a glimpse of colour or light through a cloud. Perhaps Orchardson wants to show that Napoleon's day is done showing that Turner is perhaps more sympathetic to the deposed emperor.
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The Idea of sympathy is apparent, as Turner implies Napoleon to be philosophical; Orchardson renders him the spoilt child he once was. I came to this conclusion, due to the way he is positioned, his stomach points upwards almost as if he is sighing, he has exhaled and his body is slumped, he looks like he is sulking. Napoleon's coat is painted to not even button over his round stomach, this shows the self-indulgence of the generic dictator. .
In Turners painting 2the former emperor is seen in exile and under guard, against an apocalyptic sunset sky. He contemplates a rock limpet, which despite its tiny size and enforced habit of attachment, is at least free to live in its natural existence.