A full-size bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, created by artist George Lundeen, has been shipped to the White House. The sculpture arrived on Monday for off-campus security checks.
Lundeen, who also sculpted a bronze of President Donald Trump for Trump's golf course in Florida, stated that the president intends to place the Jefferson statue in the Rose Garden. This area has previously seen installations of a George Washington sculpture and other decorative elements as part of a "walk of fame." Filmmaker Steven C. Barber, who facilitated the donation, expressed enthusiasm about the statue's intended placement.
The White House has not confirmed the specific location for the statue, and no installation events were scheduled for the July 4th weekend, which historically aligns with Jefferson's death date. The statue depicts Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, seated and toiling over his draft of the document, with edits by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
Jefferson is shown seated on a granite base at a portable writing desk of his own design. The statue, valued at $150,000, was donated by the sculptors. Lundeen created the work 25 years ago, and an earlier version was unveiled at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Monticello, Florida.
Jefferson's historic presence in the White House, where he served two terms before departing in 1809, is set to be marked by this artistic addition. During his presidency, Jefferson also oversaw significant upgrades to the White House, including architectural and functional improvements to the building and its grounds.