Thomas Jefferson´s Monticello

Thomas Jefferson´s Monticello

Thomas Jefferson once said that "Architecture is my delight, and putting up and pulling down, one of my favorite amusements." He spent much of his life "putting up and pulling down," most notably during the forty-year construction of the Monticello.

Influenced by his readings of ancient and modern architectural writings, Jefferson gleaned the best from both his readings and from his observations in Europe, creating his own personal style of architecture, a mix of Neoclassicism’s Roman temples, and Palladian villa. Partly, because of Jefferson’s influence, our federal buildings set an American precedent for the neoclassical style. Jefferson’s admiration for neoclassical style went so far as to design candlesticks based on the Corinthian order.

The Monticello is a good example or Neoclassicism. It incorporates this style into almost every room of the house. The exterior was made simple and unified by having one story of the Doric order with the frieze continuing from the porch and extending to the back of the building.

The Entrance Hall has the dimensions 27’ 11" x 23’ 9"; ceiling 18’ 2". This is done in the Ionic order. The entrance hall was influenced by frieze ornaments from the temple of Antoninus and Faustinia. (figure two)

The Dining room’s dimensions are 18’ 6" x 18’ 0"; ceiling 17’ 9". This room has a Doric influence as well. (figure three, right) The Tea Room has dimensions of 15’ 1" x 11’ 2"; ceiling 17’ 11" ...