[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 264 Received in Senate (RDS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 264


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                           February 11, 2004

                                Received

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
  Authorizing and requesting the President to issue a proclamation to 
 commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Constantino Brumidi.

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.

            Passed the House of Representatives February 10, 2004.

            Attest:

                                                 JEFF TRANDAHL,

                                                                 Clerk.