This portrait of Thomas Jefferson was painted by Rembrandt Peale in 1800, when Jefferson served as vice president to John Adams, whom he would succeed in the presidency in 1801. Peale's likeness became one of the most popular images of Jefferson, lauded for the warmth and serenity it conveys. The author of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson served as president from March 4, 1801 until March 4, 1809.