William P. Sheys: A Delicate Touch on Ivory William P. Sheys (circa 1788 – 1850) remains a figure of understated brilliance within the history of American miniature painting, celebrated primarily for his extraordinary skill in blending watercolor and ivory—a technique that bestowed upon his portraits an unparalleled luminescence and profound intimacy. Biographical information concerning Sheys is regrettably sparse; however, verifiable…