BARLOW, FRANCIS, an English painter, born in Lincolnshire about 1626. On his coming to London he was placed with a portrait painter; but his genius led him chiefly to the
drawing of birds, fishes, &c. There are six books of animals from his drawings; and he painted some ceilings with birds for noblemen and gentlemen in the country. His etchings are numerous, but his best work is his illustrations of Esop. He died in 1702. There is something pleasing in the composition and manner of this painter, though neither is excellent. His drawing is indifferent, nor does he characterize any animal justly. His birds in general are better than his beasts.