Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Smith, Francis (fl.1770)
SMITH, FRANCIS (fl. 1770), painter, was born in Italy, presumably of English parents. He became associated with the notorious Frederick Calvert, seventh lord Baltimore [q. v.], whom he accompanied on a visit to the east in 1763, and for whom he made some interesting drawings of the ceremonies of the court of Constantinople and of various oriental costumes. A set of plates from these, engraved by R. Pranker, Vitalba, and others, was published in London in 1769. Smith exhibited a view of Vesuvius with the Incorporated Society of Artists in 1768, and in 1770, 1772, and 1773 was a contributor to the Royal Academy, sending a panoramic view of Constantinople and its environs, and views of Naples and London. He died in London before 1780.
[Edwards's Anecd. of Painting; Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Exhib. Cats.]