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Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson
Artist
Robert Scott, active 1781 - 1820
Sitter
Thomas Jefferson, 13 Apr 1743 - 4 Jul 1826
Date
1801
Type
Medal
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 11.4 cm (4 1/2")
Topic
Medal\Peace medal
Thomas Jefferson: Male
Thomas Jefferson: Law and Crime\Lawyer
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\Congressman\Continental congressman
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\Statesman\Colonial statesman\Signer of Declaration
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\Vice-President of US
Thomas Jefferson: Natural Resource Occupations\Agriculturist\Farmer
Thomas Jefferson: Visual Arts\Architect
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\President of US
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\Cabinet member\Secretary of State
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\Diplomat\Minister
Thomas Jefferson: Science and Technology\Inventor
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\US Congressman\Virginia
Thomas Jefferson: Politics and Government\Governor\Virginia
Thomas Jefferson: Education and Scholarship\Founder\University
Portrait
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Betty A. and Lloyd G. Schermer
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
Object number
NPG.99.108
Exhibition Label
Indian peace medals are an important part of the history of U.S. presidential portraiture and also an essential element in federal Indian policy. Presented to Native chiefs on such important occasions as the signing of a treaty or a visit to the nation’s capital, the medals gave rank and distinction. Many were passed down from generation to generation.
In the first half of the nineteenth century, the design was determined by the need to win the allegiance of the Indians. Medals contained the likeness of the president on one side and symbols of peace and friendship on the other. Acceptance of a medal signified friendship and loyalty to the United States. By midcentury, the medals encouraged assimilation of Native Americans into American society.
All medals gift of Betty A. and Lloyd G. Schermer
Las medallas de la paz son parte importante de la historia de los retratos presidenciales en Estados Unidos y tuvieron un papel esencial en la política federal hacia los pueblos indígenas. Se obsequiaban a los líderes nativos en ocasiones significativas, como la firma de tratados o visitas a la capital del país, y eran símbolo de rango y distinción. Muchas pasaron de generación en generación.
Durante la primera mitad del siglo XIX, el diseño de las medallas respondía a la necesidad de fomentar la lealtad de los indígenas. Llevaban la imagen del presidente en una cara, y en la otra símbolos de paz y amistad. La aceptación de una medalla significaba amistad y lealtad hacia Estados Unidos. Ya para mediados del siglo, las medallas fomentaban la asimilación de los americanos nativos a la sociedad estadounidense.
Todas las medallas son donación de Betty A. y Lloyd G. Schermer
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Exhibition
America's Presidents (Reinstallation September 2017)
On View
NPG, South Gallery 240