Frans Badens was born at Antwerp in 1571. He was the son of an obscure artist, by whom he was instructed in the principles of design, but he afterwards had the advantage of visiting Italy, where he remained four years. On his return to the Netherlands he gave ample testimony of the advantages he had derived from his studies. Van Mander speaks of him in very favourable terms as a painter of history and portraits, and says that he excelled in painting what are called 'Conversation Pieces

Conversation piece

Conversation piece is a term for an informal group portrait, especially those painted in Britain in the 18th century, beginning in the 1720s. They are distinguished by their portrayal of the group apparently engaged in genteel conversation or some activity, very often outdoors...

.' His style of design partook of the taste he had acquired in Italy, and, like most of the painters of his country, he was an excellent colourist. His works have now entirely disappeared. It is supposed that he died at Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of August 24, 1815 and its successors. Amsterdam has a population of 783,364 within city limits, an urban population...

, but the year is not recorded.