The action in this painting unfolds against the background of the celebrated Palace of the Doges in Venice. The reception of the French ambassador, Jacques Vincent Languet, Count of Gergy, took place on 4 November 1726, but for Antonio Canale, the head of the Venetian school of veduta (townscape) painters, the recording of the historical event was one more reason to produce a "portrait" of his magnificent city. The painting was apparently produced soon after the event, in late 1728 or 1729. Canaletto's accuracy is almost photographic. We know that, in contrast to other artists of the day, he painted his works out on the city streets and embankments. The artist's ability to convey the medium of air, the damp atmosphere of the maritime city and the shifting light gives this scene a special poetic resonance.
This work came into the Hermitage between 1766 and 1768.