Thomas Jefferson 1801

This is Johann Mathias Reich’s portrait of Thomas Jefferson, likely made in 1801. In it, Jefferson is immortalized as a symbol of presidential authority. However, the medal also speaks to the complex relationship between image, power, and the lived realities of the time. As we observe Jefferson's profile, it is also important to critically reflect on his legacy as a slave owner. How do we reconcile the image of Jefferson as a champion of liberty with the fact that he denied freedom to many? This medal is not just a historical artifact; it invites us to consider the uncomfortable truths about the foundations of American identity and power. It asks us to engage with the contradictions of the past and consider their resonance today.