The painting was commissioned by the Belgian state and the city of Liège in 1855 and is influenced by twelfth century Italian mannerism.

[1][2][3] The delay in its execution was due to Chauvin's illness and his dual functions as director of the arts academy and interim professor of the antique drawing class.

After working as a master mason for several years, he gave up this career in 1831, decided to follow his artistic vocation and went to study at the Düsseldorf Academy of Fine Arts with Wilhelm von Schadow.

By having Alpaïde at his side in place of his legitimate wife Plectrude, Pepin defied the laws of the Church, and Alpaide mixed her cup with those of the other guests to have it blessed by Lambert through trickery.

[11][12][13] In 1843, Étienne de Gerlache provided a more detailed description of the legend which served as inspiration for the painter in his work History of Liège from Caesar to Maximilian of Bavaria.

But Lambert notices Alpaide's maneuver and says to Pepin, "See the impudence of this woman, whose presence here is a public scandal, and who would like to make me her accomplice!".

[15][17] Philippe George, assistant at the University of Liège and curator of the Treasury of St.Paul's Cathedral, believes that it is difficult to know the artist's exact motivations.

[22] It went through an extensive restoration process that began in April 1996, and was opened for display on 5 September 1996 as part of the commemorations of the death of Saint Lambert.