Question

Why did Jefferson adopt Neoclassicism as the official style of government architecture?
a.
He felt that the U.S. should free itself from British art influence and instead look to Republican Rome for artistic inspiration.
b.
After taking a trip to Rome and Greece following the U.S. independence from Britain, he wanted to recreate the same style.
c.
He wanted to create a “new look” in the United States.
d.
It was part of a peace alliance deal between the U.S. and Italy and Greece.

Answer 1

a.

Jefferson favored classical (Republican Roman and Palladian) models as expressions of republican virtue and civic order, breaking with British/Georgian associations. He used those forms at Monticello, the Virginia State Capitol, and the University of Virginia.