Saint Stephen, king of Hungary Receiving the Legate

Verhaghen employs a refined Rococo sensibility, evident in the delicate ornamentation of fabrics and the graceful arrangement of figures. His handling of chiaroscuro—contrasting illuminated faces with deeper shadows—creates a three‑dimensional effect that heightens the drama of the encounter while maintaining the lightness characteristic of late Flemish Baroque painting.

A court painter to Empress Maria Theresa, Verhaghen produced the work within the Habsburg cultural sphere, reflecting the dynasty’s interest in legitimizing historic monarchs. After remaining in private or royal collections, the canvas entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of 18th‑century European art.