The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This small painting on copper is in very good state. The paint layer is quite dirty and will clean well to reveal a brighter palette. Apart from some scuffs in the varnish and possibly a few losses in the background, the paint layer looks to be beautifully preserved. The only retouch visible under ultraviolet light is in the neck where there is a small scratch. The condition of this picture is very encouraging.
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.

Godfried Schalcken was a pupil of Samuel van Hoogstraten and most certainly trained by Gerard Dou until 1665, repeating 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 or 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 woman an impression of intimacy and psychological density. The dark and neutral background brings out her porcelain and rosy complexion. Schalken did not point out any artful devices, with the exception of  a string of pearls and an earring, as he tried to capture the personality of the sitter in a very natural way.