(JEFFERSON, Thomas) (1743 – 1826)
Price: $40.00
Description:Thomas Jefferson, (1743-1826) – Third president of the United States (1801-1809) and author of the Declaration of Indcependence. He was a philosopher, educator, naturalist, politician, scientist, architect, inventor, pioneer in scientific farming, musician, and writer.
EPH – EPHEMERA: Steel engraving, circa 1863. Overall dimensions: 8″x10.75″. Image dimensions: 5.5″x7.25″. Fine condition. Features a facsimile signature below the image. From the original painting by Chappel, in the possession of the Publishers Fry & Co., New York. Desirable engraving in very good to fine condition.
Jefferson was the foremost spokesperson of his day for Democracy. As president, he strengthened the powers of the executive branch of government. He was also the first president to lead a political party. Jefferson had great faith in popular rule and sought to develop a government that would best assure the freedom and well-being of the individual. The U.S. doubled its area in 1803 when he bought territory west of the Mississippi called the Louisiana Purchase.
Jefferson was among the most brilliant American exponents of the Enlightenment, the movement of 18th-century thought that emphasized the possibilities of human reason. A Virginia aristocrat, he had the time and resources to educate himself in history, literature, law, architecture, science, and philosophy; as a diplomat and friend of French and British intellectuals, he had direct access to European culture and thought; and as a provincial farmer and novice revolutionary leader, he had the motivation and the opportunity to apply Enlightenment political philosophy to the task of nation-building.