Monticello
Virginia, U.S. Thomas Jefferson (architect). 1768-1809 C.E. Brick, glass, stone, and wood
By helping to introduce classical architecture to the United States, Jefferson intended to reinforce the ideals behind the classical past: democracy, education, rationality, civic responsibility. Jefferson reinforced the symbolic nature of architecture.
Complete Identification:
Monticello
Thomas Jefferson (was the architect)
1768-1809
Brick, glass, stone, and wood
Neoclassical
Virginia
Form:
Marble Greek looking portico goes into a crucifix-like building
There is a dome in the middle (closer to the entrance), but it is not massive
There is marble fencing around the roof → assuming that it goes all the way around
Long, rectangular windows are on the walls
Everything is symmetrical around the central axis line of the door (vertical axis)
Function:
The building is meant to live in
By helping to introduce classical architecture to the United States, Jefferson intended to reinforce the ideals behind the classical past: democracy, education, rationality, civic responsibility
Content:
Took inspiration from Classical and Neoclassical buildings in France when he was ambassador
Remodeled the original two-story pavilion based on the Hôtel de Salm in Paris
symmetrical single-story brick home under an austere Doric entablature
West garden facade
two-column deep extended portico contains Doric columns that support a triangular pediment that is decorated by a semicircular window
balustrade (the fence thing on the roof) that circles the roofline provides a powerful sense of horizontality
Classical European Structure = basilica plan
Colonnades
Pediment
Persian windows
Dome
Transept = intersects like gothic church
Steps = ancient Etruscan temples
Gardens = French imitation
Context:
Studied at William and Mary → was interested in the campus’s architecture
But he was never formally trained as an artist
Jefferson hated Britain, so he tried to stay as far away from British architecture as possible
He was a Francophile → so he loved France
Cross-Cultural Connections:
Anything Greek or Roman
Pantheon → the portico leading into the building leading into the dome
Or any place that was meant for living → Machu Picchu, Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings
Themes:
Strength and power
Democratic ideals
Strength and pervasiveness of culture
