(Francesco), a celebrated Bolognese painter, born in 1450. He was first a goldsmith or jeweller, afterwards a graver of coins and medals; but applying at last to painting, obtained great reputation by his works, particularly by a piece of St Sebastian, whom he had drawn bound to a tree with his hands tied over his head. He pined himself into a consumption, by despairing to equal Raphael; and died in 1518.

**FRANCIS I.**, king of France, the rival of the emperor Charles V., and the restorer of learning and politeens in France. See (History of) France.

**Francis (Philip)**, a very ingenious writer, of Irish Franciscans extraction, if not born in that kingdom. His father was a dignified clergyman in Ireland, being dean of some cathedral; and our author, his son, was also bred to the church, and had a doctor's degree conferred on him. He was more distinguished as a translator than as an original writer. His versions of Horace and Demosthenes have been justly valued; the former is accompanied with notes, and is perhaps as complete and useful a work of its kind as hath yet appeared. He was also a considerable political writer; and in the beginning of the present reign is supposed to have been employed by the government; for which service, he was promoted to the rectory of Barrow in Suffolk, and to the chaplainship of Cheltena hospital. He was also the author of two tragedies, Eugenia, and Contantia; but, as a dramatic writer, not very successful. He died at Bath in March 1773; leaving a son, who was then one of the supreme council at Bengal.