Thomas Jefferson was inspired by ancient Roman architecture and the work of neoclassical architects. He was heavily influenced by French classical and neoclassical architecture. Jefferson's "Monticello" is a magnificent example of Neoclassical architecture. "Architecture is my joy," he remarked. "I love to see the plans for new buildings, to see their construction, and to view their completion."
Jefferson was particularly taken with the work of Michel-Ange Le Notre. Le Notre had been invited to France by King Louis XIV to teach his court architects about building techniques in other countries. While in France, Le Notre designed several major public buildings including the Palace of Versailles and the Cathedral of Notre Dame. When Jefferson heard that Le Notre was teaching at the University of Virginia, he sent him a letter of introduction that led to an appointment for Jefferson. The two men quickly developed a friendship and Le Notre often visited Monticello.
At the time that Jefferson was designing his home near Charlottesville, Virginia, he read a book written by James Stuart called Travels through America. In this book were illustrations of various American buildings including churches, schools, and courts of justice. This influence can be seen in the design of Jefferson's home "Monticello". It is a beautiful white marble structure with Doric columns supporting the entrance porch and stairway.
His personal home is influenced by classical (and neoclassical) architecture. The neoclassical style was largely associated with France in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, and Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican and outspoken Francophile, so approved.
However, unlike many French architects of his time, he rejected the use of marble in buildings, instead preferring wood as a material that would not deteriorate over time. This preference for wood over marble is also seen in some of his other designs, such as the University of Virginia campus building. Here, he wanted structures that were affordable to build and maintain, so he used cheaper, more durable materials for their construction. This approach to design came from his belief that society should be able to afford to construct important public works, which would benefit everyone regardless of class or wealth.
Furthermore, like most American founders, he believed that architecture should reflect America's unique culture and history. So, classical European styles were not appropriate for designing homes in Virginia, since these styles were used all over Europe and would not represent what was special about Jefferson's place in history. Instead, he designed his home using elements from several different countries, making it a unique structure that no one else in the world had done before or after it was built.
| Monticello | |
|---|---|
| Built | 1772 |
| Architect | Thomas Jefferson |
| Architectural style(s) | Neoclassical, Palladian |
| Governing body | The Thomas Jefferson Foundation (TJF) |
The answers may differ. The Neoclassical style was about reasoned advancement, whereas the Baroque style was about drama and exuberance. What is the function of the structure seen above? The structure is Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's residence. It is one of the finest country houses in America.
Jefferson began construction on his house in 1770 when he was twenty-five years old. He finished it eight years later at a cost of $46,500. At that time, this was a large amount of money for its time. Today, it would be equivalent to about $1 million dollars.
When Jefferson built his house, he was a successful lawyer living in Philadelphia. But soon after he started work on Monticello, the American Revolution broke out. This forced him to leave his job and go into military service. During this time, he never moved from Philadelphia except once when he went to visit his family in Virginia.
After the war ended, Jefferson returned to practicing law and then became the third President of the United States in 1801. During his presidency, he pushed for reforms such as the Louisiana Purchase Act and the Missouri Compromise.
In 1809, Jefferson retired from public life and moved with his wife, Martha, and their children to Monticello.
Jefferson's own house, Monticello, in Virginia, included a central-domed area and was inspired by ancient Roman villas, Palladianism, and modern French and English domestic architecture. It is considered the first true American mansion.
Jefferson designed it to be an escape from politics and a place where he could work on his ideas without interference from others. It has been said that Jefferson intended every room to have some aspect of classical design, but this has not been proven true. What has been verified is that he did take lessons on classical architecture from a local expert and incorporated many features from other houses he had seen into his own design.
The interior of Monticello was decorated in the European style with extensive use of marble and fine furniture. It still retains much of its original decoration including several paintings by John Trumbull, one of America's first great painters.
Monticello is a perfect example of how important it was for Thomas Jefferson to have freedom of thought in designing his home. If he had been restricted to a set style back then, we would never have received such a unique building today in America.
Copyright © 2020 - 2023 BindleyHardware & Co Inc.
