Virtual History:
Monticello

The Home of Thomas Jefferson

Monticello: The Home of Thomas Jefferson

Statesman, author, architect, scientist: Thomas Jefferson was all these things. As our third President he was the first Democrat to be elected, believing more in states' rights and small federal government; it was a testament to how well-respected he was that he was the first man elected President who was not a member of the Federalist party. Monticello, or Little Mountain as it is known in Italian, sits just south of Charlottesville overlooking the vast expanse of the piedmont before it. Quiet and serene, it was Jefferson's refuge from the world during his life's time. Since then it has become a shrine for all the achievements he realized. Our fourth grade class traveled to Monticello as part of our study of Art and Architecture to view first hand the genius of this great man.

Here are three views of the front view of Monticello. Notice the elaborate entabulature and the striking symmetry of the windows and columns. The chimneys also are carefully spaced across the roof to maintain that sense of balance no matter where you stand on the lawn to look at it.

The porch or portico is especially full of architectural ideas for the eye to see. Notice how it sets the sense of balance for the entire house.

Place your cursor over the picture below to see the line of symmetry of Monticello.