Velazquez painted this work in Rome, probably in the autumn of 1650. It is said that the pope was so delighted with the portrait that he exclaimed, "All too truthful!" and sent a substantial sum of money to the artist which Velazquez, as an envoy and servant of the king, felt it necessary to decline. However, Velazquez did accept a gold chain and papal medallion, which are mentioned on the artist's tombstone.