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Thomas Jefferson Stipple Engraving after Gilbert Stuart

After Gilbert Stuart · 1802

An engraved portrait of Jefferson made in 1802 during his presidency, based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart.

An engraving made during Jefferson's presidency, based on a painted portrait of him by Gilbert Stuart.

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Oval stipple engraving portrait of a man with white hair, dark coat and white cravat, titled 'Tho.s Jefferson, President of the United States of America', with 'European Magazine' above and publication line below.
After Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Jefferson, stipple engraving, 1802. Wellcome Collection.

About this source

What it is

This is an oval stipple engraving of Thomas Jefferson, made in 1802 after a painted portrait by Gilbert Stuart. It was published with the title identifying Jefferson as President of the United States, alongside the European Magazine. It is held today by the Wellcome Collection in the United Kingdom.

Why it matters

This print shows how Jefferson's image circulated publicly while he was in office, reaching a wide audience through engraved copies of a famous original painting by Gilbert Stuart. It reflects how early American leaders were presented to the public.

Look closer

  • What does the formal clothing and pose suggest about how Jefferson wanted to be seen?
  • Why might an engraving based on a painting be made, rather than the painting itself being shared?
  • What is missing from this image that a photograph might show?

This painting is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Thomas Jefferson on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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