Guardi painted four scenes to celebrate the historic visit of Pius VI to Venice from 15–19 May 1782: 'The Pope met by the Doge' (Philadelphia Museum of Art); 'The Te Deum at SS Giovanni e Paolo' (private collection, Paris); the 'Audience of the Senate' (Sotheby's, Florence, 24 September 1985, lot 19) and the 'Papal Blessing' (this painting). Commissioned by the Venetian state through the agency of Pietro Edwards on 21 May 1782, they were completed by 24 December 1782. A number of preparatory drawings for this painting are known, while Guardi and his studio made other versions, of which the most important is that at Upton House (National Trust). An elaborate temporary staircase and balcony was erected in front of the Scuola Grande di San Marco to accommodate the Pope, the Doge, the Patriarch of Venice and other dignitaries.