Thomas Jefferson American President Bust Bronze Finish 28H

A Statesman on a Grand Scale: The 28 in Jefferson Portrait

This large Jefferson bust shows a statesman who helped choose the sculptor of Washington's statue. It rises about 28 in high, with a bronze finish over crushed stone resin.

It follows the Paris portrait by Jean-Antoine Houdon. Its dark bronze tone gives the 28 in Jefferson sculpture a gallery look. It is hand-cast and finished with a layered patina.

Product Details

• Material: Hand-cast and hand-finished crushed stone resin
• Finish: Bronze, with a layered hand-applied patina
• Dimensions: Approx. 28 in H x 14 in W x 10 in D
• Style: Bronze finish president bust of the Declaration of Independence author
• Item Number: 344B

How Jefferson Chose Houdon

As American minister in Paris, Jefferson helped pick Houdon for another project. Virginia wanted a statue of George Washington for its Capitol. This large Jefferson bust recalls the sitter who made that choice.

Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin arranged the commission. Houdon then traveled to Mount Vernon in 1785 and took a life mask of Washington.

The Author in Plaster

Jefferson sat for Houdon in August 1789. The Monticello plaster very likely appeared at the Salon of 1789.

Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence author, later served as vice president and president. He founded the University of Virginia and died at Monticello on July 4, 1826.

Pair this large Jefferson bust with other portraits in our American Presidents Collection.

Display and Care

Plan on a sturdy console, mantel, or pedestal for a large Jefferson bust. Dust the 28 in Jefferson sculpture with a soft dry cloth. Keep it away from damp walls and strong sun.

Jean-Antoine Houdon in Brief

Houdon worked from life and trusted his eye over flattery. A bronze finish president bust like this one descends from his life portraits.

For More Reading from the Web

• Read how Houdon modeled Jefferson from life and where the plaster and marble versions sit today. Houdon Bust of Thomas Jefferson - Monticello
• Follow Houdon's trip to Mount Vernon and the Virginia commission that Jefferson helped arrange. Jean-Antoine Houdon - George Washington's Mount Vernon