Pontifical Ceremony in SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, 1782

c. 1783

Francesco Guardi

(Italian, 1712–1793)

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Culture

Italy, 18th century

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

Framed: 69.2 x 87 x 11.4 cm (27 1/4 x 34 1/4 x 4 1/2 in.); Unframed: 51.4 x 68.8 cm (20 1/4 x 27 1/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the Hanna Fund 1949.187.2

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Location

Not on view

Description

The second scene in the series depicts Pius VI celebrating mass in the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of the largest churches in Venice and the pope’s residence during his stay. The mass included a performance of the Te Deum, a prayer of thanksgiving set to music by the Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741). Traditionally, the Te Deum was recited in thanks to God for a special blessing, including a papal election or a royal coronation, and thus was appropriate for this historic papal visit.