(Francisco), an eminent painter, generally known by the appellation of *Bolognese*, was born at Bologna in 1606, where he became a disciple of Annibal Carracci, and proved an honour to that illustrious master. From the school of Annibal he went to complete his studies at Rome, and improved himself daily, by copying the works of those artists in which he observed the greatest excellence, until his superior talents recommended him to the favour of Innocent X., who afforded him immediate opportunities of exerting his genius in the gallery of his palace at Monte Cavallo, and also in the Vatican. The merit of his performances very soon engaged the attention and applause of the public, and increased the number of his admirers and friends; among whom were the prince Pamphilio, and many of the principal nobility of Rome. His reputation reached cardinal Mazarine at Paris, who sent for him, settled a large pension on him, and employed him for three years in embellishing his palace and the Louvre, by the order of Louis XIII. The troubles of the state, and the clamours raised against the cardinal, whose party he warmly espoused, put him so much in danger, that his friends advised him to retire among the Jesuits. He did so, and was of use to them; for he painted them a decoration for the exposition of the sacrament during the holy days, according to the custom of Rome. This piece was mightily relished at Paris: the king honoured it with two visits, and commanded him to paint such another for his chapel at the Louvre. Grimaldi after that returned to Italy; and at his arrival at Rome found his great patron Innocent X. dead: but his two successors Alexander VII., and Clement IX., honoured him equally with their friendship, and found him variety of employment. Grimaldi was amiable in his manners, as well as skilful in his profession: he was generous without profusion, respectful to the great without meanness, and charitable to the poor. The following instance of his benevolence may serve to characterize the man. A Sicilian gentleman, who had retired from Messina with his daughter during the troubles of that country, was reduced to the misery of wanting bread. As he lived over-against him, Grimaldi was soon informed of it; and in the dusk of the evening, knocking at the Sicilian's door, without making himself known, tossed in money and retired. The thing happening more than once, raised the Sicilian's curiosity to know his benefactor; who finding him out, by hiding himself behind the door, fell down on his knees to thank the hand that had relieved him. Grimaldi remained confused, offered him his house, and continued his friend till his death. He died of a dropsey at Rome in 1680, and left a considerable fortune among five children. The genius of Grimaldi directed him chiefly to landscape, which he executed most happily. His colouring is strong; his touch light and delicate; his situations are uncommonly pleasing; and the leafing of his trees is admirable. Sometimes, indeed, his colouring appears rather too green: but those landscapes, which he painted in the manner of the Caracci, may serve as models for all those who admire the style of that school; and he designed his figures in an elegant taste. The pictures of this master are very unfrequent, especially those of his best time; and whenever they are to be purchased, they afford large prices. Of his children above mentioned, the youngest, named Alexander, proved a good painter, in the same style and taste with his father, though very far inferior to him: some of the pictures of Alexander, however, are either artfully, or injudiciously, ascribed to Francisco.