Antique 1856 Steel Engraving — "Thomas Jefferson" — Declaration of Independence Banner — Committee of Five Vignette — Monticello — Published by Martin, Johnson & Co., N.Y.
You are looking at a stunning original 1856 steel engraving of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, from the celebrated Martin, Johnson & Co. series of presidential portraits.
The portrait is a masterful oval likeness of Jefferson in his characteristic high-collared coat, rendered with exceptional precision and depth. The face is clean, sharp, and beautifully detailed — one of the finest portrait engravings of Jefferson produced in the 19th century.
The composition is one of the most historically rich in American portrait engraving:
At the top, a scroll inscribed "DECLARATION of Independence" is draped with a flowing stars-and-stripes flag — individual stars clearly visible — directly above Jefferson's portrait. This is not decorative flourish; it is a deliberate statement about Jefferson's most enduring legacy.
The bottom of the composition features three distinct vignettes of exceptional detail:
•Bottom left — "PRESIDENT": A full-length standing figure of Jefferson, shown as President, with the U.S. shield and an allegorical figure representing the Republic
•Bottom center — The Committee of Five: Set within a five-pointed star, this oval scene depicts Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams gathered at a table, reviewing the draft of the Declaration of Independence. This is the most historically significant vignette in the composition — the private moment when three of the greatest minds in American history shaped the document that would change the world.
•Bottom right — "MONTICELLO": The famous neoclassical facade of Monticello, Jefferson's beloved Virginia home and architectural masterpiece, set within a shield with an allegorical figure
The entire composition is framed by stars-and-stripes flags draped from both upper corners, with elaborate rococo scrollwork, acanthus leaves, and floral garlands throughout. The bold facsimile signature "Th. Jefferson" in script anchors the bottom of the piece.
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, the third President of the United States, the first Secretary of State, the second Vice President, founder of the University of Virginia, architect of Monticello, and one of the most intellectually accomplished figures in American history. His face appears on the $2 bill and the nickel.
A note on the pencil notation: The lower right margin bears a penciled date "1858" — consistent with the 1856 copyright date and suggesting this print was acquired within two years of publication. This same notation appears on other prints from the same original collection, indicating a single period owner who dated their acquisitions.
Condition: Very good antique condition. The portrait and all three bottom vignettes are clean, crisp, and fully intact with excellent contrast and detail. The verso is remarkably clean, with only faint ink bleed-through from the heavy engraving on the front — a hallmark of genuine antique paper. Minor condition notes: one small foxing spot in the upper left margin; a small chip at the upper right corner; a small notch in the right edge mid-sheet; two small binding holes on the left edge — all in the margins only, none affecting the image area. Please review all photos carefully.
What you receive: The original antique engraving only. Not framed. Genuine 1856 print. Ships flat in a protective sleeve between rigid cardboard, fully insured. Fits a standard 8x10 or 11x14 frame with a mat — no custom framing required.