Rudolf von Alt described his impressions of his first journey to Italy, which he undertook together with his father, as follows: "... In the year 1833 I saw the Italian cities of Verona, Vicenza, Padua and Venice for the first time - I am unable to describe the impression they made on me, especially the latter - I felt as though I had to soak up all its romance." Alt succeeds in conveying the romantic atmosphere he experienced in this painting, which depicts the view along the façade of the Doge's Palace towards Santa Maria della Salute. 

With their extensive groves and large-scale formal flower beds, the gardens perfectly reflected the horticultural style of the time. Designed and executed by Jean Trehet, they represented an ornamental interplay between interior and exterior space.