Iardella, an Italian sculptor brought to the new United States around 1816, was involved in the ornamentation of the hall of the House of Representatives. In a November 15, 1816, letter to Jefferson, the architect Latrobe wrote, " I have... composed a Capital of the Leaves & Flowers of the Tobacco plant, which has an intermediate effect approaching the character of the Attic Column of the Clepsydra, or Temple of the Winds.... Iardella a Sculptor lately arrived, has made an admirable Model for execution, in which he has well preserved the botanical Character of the plant...."