Thomas Jefferson A Philosepher A Patriote and a Friend

• Price: $9,500.00
  

  SKU: 102433

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• ARTIST: Thaddeus Kosciuszko

• MEDIUM: Color Aquatint,

  DATE: 1798-99.

• EDITION SIZE: Image size, oval 9 1/4 x 8 1/4" (25.2 x 21 cm)

• DESCRIPTION: Dessine par son Ani Tadee Kosciusko. Et Grave par, M. Sokolnicke.<br><br> The portrait of Jefferson by Kosciuszko hung in a room occupied at Monticello by my mother when I was a small boy. ... I thought it a good likeness; my mother did not. It had under it a philosopher, a patriot, and a friend printed conspicuously. This subscription I presume kept it out of the public rooms. "Thomas Jefferson Randolph", Edgehioll-Randolph Papers <br><br> Jefferson did not meet Kosciuszko, until 1797, when he returned to the United States after being imprisoned by the Russians, who had crushed the Polish Revolution that he led. Jefferson, who was then serving as vice president, was living in Philadelphia when Kosciuszko arrived there, and the two men immediately became friends. They saw one another almost daily, and it was during this time that Kosciuszko made his portrait of Jefferson (the original now lost) from which Michal Sokolnicki made this aquatint.<br><br> Thaddeus Kosciuszko (1746-1817) Polish general, military engineer, and revolutionary. He fought in the American Revolutionary War, as well as an uprising in his home country. He was known for his bravery, kindness, patriotism, likeability, and unwavering strength of character. Jefferson met Kosciuszko after his return to America in 1796 and the two became close friends. Until his death in 1817, Kosciuszko maintained correspondence with Jefferson.<br><br> "To no country could that event be more afflicting, nor to any individual more than to myself. I had enjoyed his intimate friendship and confidence for the last 20. years, & during the portion of that time which he past in this country, I had daily opportunities of observing personally the purity of his virtue, the benevolence of his heart, and his sincere devotion to the cause of liberty." Thomas Jefferson.<br><br> As to the engraver, Michal Sokolnicki (1760-1816). A Polish Nobleman, General, Military Engineer, Politician and Writer. While certainly possible, he and Kosciuszko were friends, this author believes that it is likely that another engraver produced the plate for him. The production of an engraved plate, especially in the medium of aquatint, is not something that an amateur could do, at least not without help of an experienced engraver who works in the medium. Further study is needed<br><br>

• ADDITIONAL INFO:

• CONDITION: Fair condition with original color. Drum mounted on a larger sheet, some residual discoloration on the sheet. An extremely rare image of Thomas Jefferson.

• REFERENCE: Referenced LOC Jefferson World Exhibition & Monticello Collection.

• CATEGORIES: 18th-19th Century Subjects , Portraits , Presidents