[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF PROCLAMATION COMMEMORATING 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                          CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI

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                               speech of

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 10, 2004

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 264 
to commemorate next year's 200th anniversary of the birth of 
Constantino Brumidi. I was pleased to join with my colleague, the 
gentleman from Florida, as an original cosponsor of this resolution.
  Constantino Brumidi is known today as the Michelangelo of the United 
States Capitol building. He is most known for The Apotheosis of George 
Washington, the painting that depicts our first president's ascension 
into heaven, that adorns the interior ceiling of the central rotunda.
  Brumidi was unknown in America when he began a mural to honor George 
Washington in 1855 shortly after immigrating to the United States. Over 
the next 25 years, he also painted the corridors on the first floor of 
the Senate wing and the first tribute to an African-American in the 
Capitol by depicting Crispus Attucks's patriotic death that touched off 
the Boston Massacre in 1770.
  Initially, some believed that Brumidi's artistic styles and abilities 
were more suited to the Vatican and other buildings in Europe, places 
he contributed works before coming to America. But many historians have 
noted that Brumidi was the only person capable of painting the Capitol 
building in the glorious manner befitting the literal crowning 
achievement of liberty and democracy that it represents. Few in the 
United States had Brumidi's special talents as a fresco artist that 
utilized painting with watercolors on wet plaster.
  Constantino Brumidi's experience is not unlike the ancestors of more 
than 26 million Americans of Italian descent that blended their 
centuries-old traditions with the relatively young history of the 
United States. Our country is indebted to their time, talents and 
skills that have beautified our country and inspired great 
achievements.
  Each year, hundreds of Long Island school children gaze upward at 
Brumidi's work in the Capitol building's rotunda and sprawling 
corridors. They see important scenes in American history, from the 
development of the steam engine to the ending of the Civil War. 
Brumidi's work not only beautifies the Capitol, but it brings history 
to life and makes one dream of what the future holds for our great 
nation.
  It is important that Brumidi's contributions and sacrifices are 
remembered. He is every bit as important to American history as the 
epic scenes and figures he brought to life. It is my hope that all of 
my colleagues will join me today in honoring Brumidi's legacy by voting 
in favor of this resolution.

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