Congress honors 'American Michelangelo' on his 200th birthday

Published: 2005-07-27

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Lawmakers gathered in the Capitol Rotunda July 26 to pay homage to Constantino Brumidi, the Italian and Greek immigrant who painted much of the work in the Capitol building. His last work was the frieze on the Capitol dome that depicts the history of the nation, and he signed all his art, "Constantino Brumidi, artist, citizen of the United States." "We live in a nation of immigrants, and Constantino Brumidi is among the greatest we have ever welcomed," said Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J. "So many times, we move from one vote to another, from one meeting to the next, but today, we celebrate his work and dedication. He set the standard for all immigrants to aspire to achieve." Brumidi was born in Rome, but left after the 1849 revolution, when Pope Pius IX pardoned him for stealing church artwork on the condition that he leave for good, according to an article in The New York Times. Ten years ago, restoration was begun on much of his work in the Capitol. It had been overlooked or painted over because earlier critics considered it to be too foreign.

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