Portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale in 1800. Oil on canvas, 23 x 19 inches. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

The portrait of Jefferson was completed in Philadelphia before mid-May 1800 when he left that capital for Monticello. The face has the glow of health, a warm complexion. The sitter here looks directly at us and does so with candor, as our equal. The splendid eyes and mouth convey reason and tolerance.