Thomas Jefferson

Poplar Forest, at near Lynchburg, Virginia, 1806.

University of Virginia, at Charlottesville, Virginia, 1826.  * 3D Model *

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(b. Shadwell, Virginia 1743; d. Monticello, Virginia 1826) Third president of the United States of America

Thomas Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia in 1743. He attended the college of William and Mary, but received no formal architectural training. Essentially self-taught, he assembled an impressive library of art and architecture which included several copies of Palladio's Quattro Libri.

Over time Jefferson acquired an intense appreciation of Palladio's architectural theories based on their connection to ancient Rome. Recognizing the powerful political connotations inherent in ancient Roman structures Jefferson designed many of his civic buildings in a neo-Roman style.

While acting as Minister to France from 1784-89 Jefferson studied the architectural heritage of France, gaining insight from architectural historians and site visits. From the mid 1770s he employed and worked with his distinguished contemporary Benjamin H. Latrobe on the Capitol design.

Jefferson died in Monticello, Virginia in 1826.

References
Dennis Sharp. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Architects and Architecture. New York: Quatro Publishing, 1991. ISBN 0-8230-2539-X. NA40.I45. p82.

Details

Recipient of the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal, 1993 (posthumous)

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