FRANCISCUS, commonly called Old Frank, a famous Flemish painter, supposed to have been born about the year 1544; but though his works are well known, very few of the circumstances of his life have been transmitted to posterity. This master painted historical subjects from the Old and New Testaments; and was remarkable for introducing a great number of figures into his compositions, which he had the address to group very distinctly. Van Dyck often commended his works, and thought them worthy of a place in any collection.

Franciscus, distinguished by the name of Young Frank, was the son of the former, born in the year 1580. He was instructed by his father; whose style he adopted so closely, that their works are frequently mistaken. When he found himself sufficiently skilled at home, he travelled into Italy for improvement in colouring; and, on his return, his works were much coveted. The most capital performances of this painter are, a scriptural performance in the church of Notre Dame at Antwerp; and an excellent picture, in a small size, of Solomon's idolatry. Young Frank died in 1642.