Thomas Jefferson By Alonzo Chappel

Alonzo Chappel’s portrait of Thomas Jefferson captures the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson (1743–1826) was a key Founding Father, diplomat, and visionary leader who helped shape the foundations of American democracy. Jefferson was the primary author, articulating the colonies’ right to self-governance. He advocated for the separation of church and state, influencing the First Amendment. As president, he doubled the size of the U.S. by acquiring vast western lands from France. Jefferson championed education as vital to a free society, and opposed strong centralized government, advocating for states’ rights and agrarian democracy.