A Delicate Hand: The Life and Art of Ferdinand Machéra Ferdinand Machéra, a name perhaps less celebrated than some of his contemporaries, nevertheless occupies a fascinating niche in the history of French portraiture. Born in Paris in 1775, during a period of immense social and artistic upheaval, Machéra dedicated himself to the intimate art of ivory miniature painting. While grand historical canvases captured the sweeping narratives…