Thomas Jefferson Bust: The True Story Behind the Most Famous Founding Father Portrait
Thomas Jefferson Bust: The True Story Behind the Most Famous Founding Father Portrait
The bust of Thomas Jefferson – with its high forehead, thoughtful eyes, and dignified expression – is instantly recognisable as the face of the Declaration of Independence. For over 230 years it has symbolised enlightenment, liberty, and American ideals.
The Original 1789 Portrait by Jean-Antoine Houdon
In 1789, at the request of the Virginia legislature, French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon travelled to Mount Vernon to create a life portrait of Thomas Jefferson in Paris. Houdon took a life mask and measurements, producing the famous bust that captures Jefferson at age 46 – intelligent, calm, and visionary.[1]
This Houdon bust became the defining three-dimensional image of Jefferson.
The Iconic Rembrandt Peale Painting (1800 & 1805)
In 1800 and again in 1805, American painter Rembrandt Peale created portraits of Thomas Jefferson – the most famous showing him with red hair, a direct gaze, and a calm, wise expression. These Peale portraits became the most reproduced two-dimensional image of Jefferson and the direct inspiration for our Acclaimed Figures bust.[2]
Key Features of the Authentic Jefferson Portrait
- High forehead and red hair – Jefferson’s distinctive look
- Calm, intelligent eyes – the philosopher-statesman
- Classical simplicity – linking Jefferson to Enlightenment ideals
- Subtle expression – reflecting his wit and optimism
The Most Important Museum Examples
- Monticello, Virginia – original Houdon plaster bust
- White House Collection – Rembrandt Peale portrait (1805)
- New-York Historical Society – Peale’s 1800 portrait
- Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York – marble Houdon bust
Why These Portraits Became the Standard
Houdon’s bust shows Jefferson in three dimensions from life. Peale’s paintings capture the warmth and intellect that made him beloved. Together they define the Jefferson America remembers – the author of liberty and champion of reason.
Thomas Jefferson Bust Replicas
Original Houdon plasters and Peale paintings are priceless museum pieces. The most accurate modern replicas are now produced in hand-casted unsaturated resin – offering excellent detail retention and durability.
At Acclaimed Figures we use hand-casted unsaturated resin for every bust, ensuring lifelike features and long-lasting quality. Our Thomas Jefferson bust is directly inspired by Rembrandt Peale’s famous portraits, available in Antique Bronze or Stone White, 25 cm tall, on an engraved charcoal base with “Thomas Jefferson 1743–1826”.
→ View the Thomas Jefferson Bust Replica
