Godfrey, was born at Dort, in 1643, and pursued his studies as a painter under Hoogstraten, and subsequently under Gerard Douw. He was esteemed one of Douw's best pupils, but his talent was rather mechanical than creative. This was visibly displayed in his attempts to imitate the bold contrasts of light and shade of Rembrandt. Having failed to represent sunlight, he had recourse to candle-light, in which he had more success. Some of his daylight pieces, however, display a great degree of care. He was patronised by William III. of England, who induced him to come over and settle in London, where he painted the portrait of his Majesty and several of the nobility. He returned to Holland, settled at the Hague, and died in 1706. There are three good paintings by Schalken in the Royal Collection, and one in the National Gallery of England.