Bilirakis Speaks at Capitol Ceremony in Honor of Constantino Brumidi
Bilirakis Speaks at Capitol Ceremony in Honor of Constantino Brumidi
Congressman Mike Bilirakis, Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, yesterday participated in a ceremony at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi, the artist of the Capitol for over twenty-five years.
Constantino Brumidi immigrated to the United States from Italy on September 18, 1852. He was a student of Rome's most revered art school, where he studied under artists esteemed by popes and intellectuals. Brumidi left a promising artistic career in Rome to seek political asylum in the United States. The son of a Greek father and Italian mother, Constantino Brumidi arrived in New York where he began building his legacy as the Michelangelo of America.'
Bilirakis stated, "Too few Americans know about the impact Constantino Brumidi had on this great nation. Through his breathtaking works, he masterfully links the birthplace of democracy, ancient Greece, to the world's newest land of liberty, America. Who could have imagined that an immigrant would be tasked with beautifying the most significant building in the United States? I believe that is a testament to his perseverance and our nation's willingness to embrace those who want to share in the American Dream. I am tremendously proud that we are honoring this true American patriot."
Constantino Brumidi's most famous work is the Apotheosis of Washington, a captivating fresco that covers the canopy of the Capitol dome. He also painted a majority of the Frieze of American History, a piece that stretches around the base of the dome. Brumidi's works can be found throughout the Capitol Building, mainly in the West Corridor, known as the Brumidi Corridor, the Senate Reception Room, the President's Room and various committee rooms.
Constantino Brumidi has been honored in the Capitol on three different occasions in the twentieth century. Tributes were held in 1952, 1968 and 1980.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl09_bilirakis/prl_brumidi_rotunda.html