Whose Influence Is Seen in Jefferson’s Design of Home?

Thomas Jefferson’s architectural design of Monticello, his Virginia home, is a testament to the tremendous influence of classical architecture. As a student of architecture, Jefferson was well versed in the classical styles of antiquity, and he drew heavily on this knowledge in designing his home. He was particularly fond of the designs of Vitruvius, Palladio, and Inigo Jones.

Jefferson believed that architecture should reflect the values and ideals of those who built it. Therefore, he incorporated many features into the design of Monticello that reflected his own ideals.

For example, he designed the house with a symmetrical layout to represent balance and harmony. The use of columns, pediments and entablatures were all part of Jefferson’s attempt to create a harmonious structure that embodied classical ideals.

The most obvious influence on Jefferson’s design can be seen in the use of Palladian windows and porticoes. These features are based directly on those used by Andrea Palladio in his villas in Italy during the Renaissance period. The use of these features marked an important shift away from traditional colonial style homes towards a more modern aesthetic based on classical principles.

In addition to drawing inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek designs, Jefferson also incorporated elements from Medieval Italian architecture into his design for Monticello. He utilized intricate brickwork patterns as well as using arches over windows to add visual interest to his home.

The influence of Inigo Jones is also evident in Jefferson’s design for Monticello; Jones’s designs often featured columns with entablatures at the top which are similar to those seen at Monticello today. The use of stepped parapets was another feature that was inspired by Jones’s work; these can be seen around some parts of Monticello’s roofline today.

Conclusion:It is clear that Thomas Jefferson drew heavily upon the work of classically inspired architects such as Vitruvius, Palladio, and Inigo Jones when designing his home at Monticello. Each architect had their own individual style which influenced different aspects of Jefferson’s design for Monticello; from Palladian windows to intricate brickwork patterns inspired by Medieval Italy.