Portrait of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

Jefferson is best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence and serving as the nation’s third president, but he also authored a book. The unidentified artist of this painting chose to depict Jefferson holding the large volume titled Notes on the State of Virginia, the only full-length book the patriot published in his lifetime. Interestingly, it was issued in Paris in 1785 and then in England. The first American edition did not appear until 1788. Due to Jefferson;s fame, his portrait was painted often. Printed version of those likenesses circulated widely. This portrait was likely based on an engraving by J.B. Neagle, which was in turn taken from a painting by Bass Otis. The unidentified artist of this image added the drapery and chair details, implying an understanding of artistic conventions. The painted initials "M.S." on the cover of the book may refer to its owner of the portrait's patron. Both sides of the family in which the portrait descended had surnames that began with the letter "S."