Jefferson on Display: Attire, Etiquette, and the Art of Presentation by G. S. Wilson

Thomas Jefferson strategically crafted his public image through attire and behavior, shifting between the persona of a humble farmer and that of a sophisticated urban elite depending on context. G. S. Wilson's study reveals Jefferson’s deliberate use of clothing—ranging from French court attire to homespun American garments—as a tool for political self-fashioning. Analyzing contemporary accounts, fashion choices, and portraits, Wilson demonstrates how Jefferson adapted his appearance to align with diplomatic expectations in France and later embraced an unpretentious, 'man of the people' image during his tenure as vice president and president. This approach offers a novel perspective on Jefferson’s public persona, distinct from traditional biographical studies.

Rice, K. (2020). Jefferson on Display: Attire, Etiquette, and the Art of Presentation by G. S. Wilson. Early American Literature, 55(3), 903–905. https://doi.org/10.1353/eal.2020.0080