Jefferson and the Art of Appearance

The trajectory of Thomas Jefferson’s long political career landed him in a highly visible role in shaping the new American Republic. Jefferson quickly learned to create and manage a public image aimed at supporting his political goals. His image underscored where he stood on political issues, says historian Gaye Wilson. Wilson uses portraits, correspondence, period newspapers, and personal records to decipher Jefferson’s public image and what it reveals of his vision and ambitions for the nation.