This detailed sculpture is inspired by Houdon's portrait bust of Thomas Jefferson modeled by Houdon. The extraordinary artist was commissioned to create sculptures of a number of American leaders. Thomas Jefferson was 43 years old when this portrait was made. By that time, he had already drafted the Declaration of Independence, been the Governor of Virginia and ambassador to France, and served in the first Continental Congress. He would go on to become Vice-President under John Adams and then President, serving two consecutive terms. He also founded and designed the University of Virginia before retiring to his beloved Monticello, where the best minds of two continents sought audience with the great sage. He died on July 4th, 1826, 50 years to the day after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This is a made to order sculpture so will take about five weeks for delivery.