- 280
Godfried Schalcken
Description
- Godfried Schalcken
- Portrait of a Man in a wig
- signed in monogram middle left: G.S.
- oval, oil on copper
Condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Godfried Schalcken was a pupil of Samuel van Hoogstraten and almost certainly trained with Gerard Dou until 1665. Schalcken repeated some of the artistic formulas developed by the Dutch master such as the use of a curtain to frame the composition. Schalcken is also well known for playing with lighting effects in his religious and mythological scenes as well as in his official and unofficial portraits.
As a portraitist, he was very much in demand by the wealthy Dutch bourgeoisie throughout his career. At the end of his life, Schalcken seemed to concentrate more on smaller portraits, preferring oval formats, such as the present painting. The tight framing and very restricted dimensions confer upon the image of this young man an impression of intimacy and psychological intensity. The dark and neutral background brings out his smooth complexion. The sitters pose is calm, yet serious, and appears to capture his personality in a very natural way.
Another portrait by Schalcken depicting A Woman, Bust-Length, Wearing a Dark Green Dress with Mousseline, and a String of Pearls, of almost the exact same dimensions and format, was sold New York, Sotheby's, 25 January 2008, lot 298, for $55,000.