Men of Kent and Kentishmen/Francis Piper, or Francis le Piper
Francis Piper, or Francis le Piper,
PORTRAIT PAINTER,
Was descended of a Walloon family settled in Kent. His father destined him for a learned profession; but his passion for drawing absorbed all his thoughts. He had a special propensity for drawing ugly faces, and suitable subjects found it dangerous to be in his company. He travelled over most parts of Europe, examining the various collections of pictures; and having a good estate, could afford to indulge his taste in this respect. He was a great admirer of Caracci, Rembrandt, and Heemskirk. He frequented the Mitre Tavern, in Stocks Market, London, and was there accustomed to exercise his art by adorning the rooms with his pictures. Many of the Grand Seignors, heads in Rycault's "History of the Turks" are engraved from his originals by Elder. He was also a successful modeller in wax in basso-relievo. He died in Aldermanbury in 1740, from the effect of unskilful bleeding on the part of a surgeon.
[See Chalmers' "Biographical Dictionary."]