[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 264 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]

        H.Con.Res.264
                                     Agreed to February 24, 2004        

                       One Hundred Eighth Congress

                                 of the

                        United States of America


                          AT THE SECOND SESSION

          Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
           the twentieth day of January, two thousand and four


                          Concurrent Resolution

Whereas Constantino Brumidi, born in Rome, Italy, on July 26, 1805, 
  landed at New York Harbor on September 18, 1852, as a political 
  exile, making his flight from Italy to the United States because of 
  his love for liberty;

Whereas Constantino Brumidi's love for his adopted country led him to 
  seek citizenship 2 years after his arrival;

Whereas in 1855, Constantino Brumidi began his artistic work in the 
  Capitol, and spent more than 25 years of his life painting, 
  decorating, and beautifying the corridors, committee rooms, and 
  Rotunda of the Capitol;

Whereas Constantino Brumidi created many magnificent paintings and 
  decorations, depicting the history, inventions, values, and ideals of 
  the United States, thus enhancing the dignity and beauty of the 
  Capitol and inspiring millions of visitors;

Whereas in 1865, Constantino Brumidi painted, in just 11 months, his 
  masterpiece ``The Apotheosis of Washington'' in the canopy of the eye 
  of the Capitol dome;

Whereas in 1871, Constantino Brumidi created the first tribute to an 
  African-American in the Capitol when he placed the figure of Crispus 
  Attucks at the center of his painting of the Boston Massacre;

Whereas in 1877, at the age of 72, Constantino Brumidi began his last 
  work, the fresco frieze encircling the top of the Rotunda, and 3 
  years later fell from a slipped scaffolding and was never able to 
  return to work;

Whereas Constantino Brumidi died as a result of this experience 3 
  months later in February 1880;

Whereas Constantino Brumidi has been called ``the Michelangelo of the 
  Capitol'' by historians; and

Whereas the year 2005 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of 
  Constantino Brumidi, as well as the 150th anniversary of the 
  beginning of his artistic career in the Capitol and the 125th 
  anniversary of his death: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation 
commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi 
and calling upon the people of the United States, State and local 
governments, and interested organizations to commemorate this 
anniversary with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.
  Attest:

                                 Clerk of the House of Representatives.

  Attest:

                                               Secretary of the Senate.