"Th. Jefferson" Engraved Portrait, after Alonzo Chappel

Presented is an engraved portrait of Thomas Jefferson, after the painting by Alonzo Chappel. This seated portrait depicts our third president in his coat, suit, and cravat, with a quill in his hand. A table at his side holds volumes of books, an ink pot, and papers, all visual references to his lifelong devotion to scholarship and public service.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was a leading figure in early American history, with a remarkable legacy in politics, law, and academia. He contributed significantly to the development of American democracy as a politician, diplomat, and as the main author of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout his life, Jefferson championed freedom of religion, agricultural innovation, and the importance of education.  During the Revolutionary War, Jefferson served in the Virginia legislature, was governor of Virginia, and a member of the Continental Congress. 

Among the Committee of Five charged by the Second Continental Congress with authoring the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson was the document's primary author. Jefferson served as United States Minister to France from 1785 to 1789. President Washington then appointed Jefferson as the nation's first secretary of state, where he served from 1790 to 1793. 

In the early 1790s, Jefferson and James Madison organized the Democratic-Republican Party to oppose the Federalist Party. Jefferson thought the national government should have a limited role in citizens’ lives. Jefferson lost the 1796 presidential election to Adams, which according to electoral procedure at the time made him Adams' vice president. Jefferson challenged Adams again four years later, in 1800, and won the presidency. During his two terms as president, the U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory, which doubled the country’s size, he reduced the nation’s debt, established the nation’s first national military university at West Point, declared war on Barbary pirates, and implemented the Embargo Act. After leaving office, he retired to his Virginia plantation, Monticello, and helped found the University of Virginia.

Alonzo Chappel (1832–1887) was an American painter, portraitist, and illustrator celebrated for his historical scenes and portraits of prominent American statesmen, military leaders, and naval heroes. Contemporary critics praised his work for its strong characterization, skillful composition, and historical accuracy, and he enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading historical illustrators of his day. Though few original paintings survive, many of his works were widely reproduced as engravings, helping to shape nineteenth-century Americans’ visual understanding of their nation's history.

CONDITION: 

Near fine condition. Paper is bright, edged on top, right and bottom in gilded. Faint remnants of glue along the left paper edge. Small stain in top left corner,  small foxing mark in lower left margin,  not affecting image or text. Near fine condition. Paper is bright, edged on top, right and bottom in gilded. Faint remnants of glue along the left paper edge. Small stain in top left corner,  small foxing mark in lower left margin,  not affecting image or text. "Th. Jefferson/ From the original painting by Chappel, in the possession of the Publishers." at bottom center. Verso is clean. 

Engraving is archivally framed in a custom-built wooden frame, with acid-free mats, and UV glass.

Framed Dimensions: 16" H x 12 5/8" W x 1 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.