Jean Antoine Laurent: A Whisper of Sentiment in Ivory The world of 18th-century portraiture is often dominated by grand gestures, opulent displays of wealth and power—a theatrical representation of status. Yet, within this landscape of bold statements, Jean Antoine Laurent offered a quieter, more intimate perspective. Born in Baccarat, France, in 1763, Laurent wasn’t a painter of sweeping historical scenes or dramatic allegories; instead, he carved his legacy into the delicate surfaces of ivory and parchment through exquisitely rendered miniature portraits. His work isn't about proclaiming g…