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 of revolution and empire, Machéra turned his attention inward, focusing on the subtle nuances of individual character and the delicate beauty of refined society…