During the 18th and 19th century it was fashionable for men in prestigious positions to have a smaller, less formal place to relax with intimates. Monticello seems simple compared to the castles of Europe, but w/all those elegant antiques and evidence of Jefferson's creative genius, it may have been rather hard trying to relax to a great degree; the world was in a whirlwind w/a revolution happening and many scientific discoveries being unveiled! Also, the route to the place could have varied, being rough at times of the year. The west coast of California is in a similar, whacky weather state (early 2024). Viewing the decorations on the $1 American Bill, I imagined that I saw one of the great ladies of the time, dressed as if for a party, bending under a fallen tree, perhaps in order to get from a coach to the portico. Jefferson was known for his famous relationship w/Maria Cosway, famous for her knowledge of Europe and it's culture, art etc.
I have been following the restoration of Poplar Forest for years and am thrilled to see the completion of these rooms. They are so serenely elegant. I wonder if the windows were left uncurtained, and if the walls were unadorned?
All great questions we hope to learn answers to in the future. Unfortunately, there is very little written evidence of how the house was decorated so we don't know much about the furnishings, wall hangings, etc.
The economy for wealthy land owners in Virginia often worked on a system of bartering and credit. Jefferson had extensive credit lent to him by many suppliers, but he was also using mostly enslaved labor to do the building itself.
@@thomasjeffersonspoplarfore2380 Thank you for that information :-) I would also add that- even though one didn’t pay wages to the slaves- they still cost money in terms of housing, clothes, food, shelter and (rudimentary) healthcare, so it’s not ALL financial upside.
