[1] [2][3] It was commissioned by Nicholas I of Russia as a companion work to the artist's earlier Parade in the Opernplatz in Berlin.

He completed the painting in Dessau where he was staying due to unrest in Berlin following the Revolution of 1848.

It commemorates the 1817 visit of the then Grand Duke Nicolas to Prussia for his marriage to Prince Charlotte, the eldest daughter of Frederick William III.

The setting is the Lustergartenplatz in front of City Palace with the tower of the Garrison Church visible.

Amongst other figures visible are the future monarchs Frederick William IV and William I, as well as Prince Charles, Prince Augustus, Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Karl Friedrich Schinkel.