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Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: A Photographic Portrait
 
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Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: A Photographic Portrait [Hardcover]

Kenneth Burns (Contributor), David McCullough (Introduction), Robert C. Lautman (Photographer)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)

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Specially created in collaboration with Ken Burns for his documentary film series on Thomas Jefferson, these rich photographs portray Jefferson's Palladian masterpiece, Monticello, near Charlottesville, Virginia, as Jefferson might have photographed it himself -- with his own refined intellectual and aesthetic vision. Jefferson died in 1826, the year photography was invented. In the spirit of this early era, award-winning photographer Robert Lautman has captured the house artistically using a unique mid-nineteenth-century method of creating photographs. After shooting the spaces with a large-format camera, and using only natural light -- photographing the east side in the morning and the west side in the afternoon, utilizing shutters and doors for lighting control -- he printed the images with a platinum-palladium process on hand-coated paper. The resulting photographs display a never-before-seen radiant atmosphere of this enchanting place, masterfully reproduced in this charming gift volume.

Begun in 1768 when Jefferson was only twenty-five years old, Monticello continued to be altered with changes and additions until his death. It remains the single home in America on the World Heritage List of international treasures. Jefferson, the only architect ever to serve as president, believed this house was his individual exploration and expression of classical architecture. Seen here are the harmonious proportions of the building, warm interiors, extensive grounds, romantic gardens, and elegant furnishings, along with some of Jefferson's prized personal belongings.

About the Author

Robert C. Lautman is an architectural photographer whose work has appeared in scores of publications and magazines. In 1973 he was awarded the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal in architectural photography. In addition to his own photography books, he works for Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Magazine Antiques, and others, as well as for many architects.

David McCullough is an award-winning writer, historian, teacher, and lecturer. He has won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. His books include Truman, The Great Bridge, The Johnstown Flood, The Path Between the Seas, Mornings on Horseback, and Brave Companions.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Photographic Tour of a National Treasure, Mar 20 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: A Photographic Portrait (Hardcover)
Photographer Robert Lautman has taken and assembled a remarkable set of photographs depicting scenes which a visitor would see upon touring the wonder that is called Monticello. Near the beginning of this book are two architectural drawings showing the first floor room layouts. Numbers appear on these drawings and they indicate the approximate camera positions for each black and white photographic plate.This is an outstanding photo-tour of Jefferson's custom built mansion. I would have given it a 10 rating had it not been for a few little features and omissions which detracted from the work. The major distraction centered on an obviously retouched photograph showing the surrounding hills as seen from Monticello. The photographer, in an attempt to show what the view might have looked like for Jefferson, had to manipulate the photograph to remove or minimize modern distractions such as houses, roads and other man-made edifices. While the intent to recapture a lost vision is a good one the execution wanting. It would have been nice to see more than one photograph of the second floor rooms.
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Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Photographic Tour of a National Treasure, Mar 20 1997
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: A Photographic Portrait (Hardcover)
Photographer Robert Lautman has taken and assembled a remarkable set of photographs depicting scenes which a visitor would see upon touring the wonder that is called Monticello. Near the beginning of this book are two architectural drawings showing the first floor room layouts. Numbers appear on these drawings and they indicate the approximate camera positions for each black and white photographic plate.This is an outstanding photo-tour of Jefferson's custom built mansion. I would have given it a 10 rating had it not been for a few little features and omissions which detracted from the work. The major distraction centered on an obviously retouched photograph showing the surrounding hills as seen from Monticello. The photographer, in an attempt to show what the view might have looked like for Jefferson, had to manipulate the photograph to remove or minimize modern distractions such as houses, roads and other man-made edifices. While the intent to recapture a lost vision is a good one the execution wanting. It would have been nice to see more than one photograph of the second floor rooms.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book, Feb 14 2010
By Kylee's Mom - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: A Photographic Portrait (Hardcover)
The photography in this book is amazing and gives a unique perspective on Monticello. I also really enjoyed the letters on opposite pages that provide personal insight and opinion about President Jefferson. Excellent addition to my collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars Monticello, Jan 6 2009
By JohnF - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: A Photographic Portrait (Hardcover)
Is it possible to conjure up the mood and atmosphere of an architectural gem, more than 200 years after its heyday? Can a book of photographs of an outstanding historical building be more than coffee table gloss? This book proves that both of these goals are acheivable. This book provides a glimpse into Jefferson's world as though the reader is a visitor, welcomed by the great man himself. The added bonus is that the plans are also included! What a treat!
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