Constantino Brumidi, whose most famous work is the Apotheosis of Washington, found on the inside of the Capitol dome, was born in Rome on July 26, 1805, to a Greek father and an Italian mother. He also painted forty-three murals and paintings at St. Stephen’s Church located in New York City. H. Con. Res. 202 was brought to a vote through the efforts of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues and the co-chairs of the Italian American Congressional Delegation.

Text of Representative Maloney’s Statement:

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 202, which will permit the use of the Rotunda for a ceremony honoring Constantino Brumidi on the 200th anniversary of his birth. I would like to thank my colleagues, Representative Pascrell, Mica, and Bilirakis, for their efforts in getting this bill to the Floor today.

“As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I am especially proud of Brumidi’s Greek heritage. The son of a Greek father and Italian mother, Constantino Brumidi, fled Rome and immigrated to the United States on September 18, 1852. From 1868-1879 as a resident of New York City, Brumidi painted forty-three murals and paintings at St. Stephen’s Church which is located in my congressional district.

“Brumidi is most famous, however, for his artistic achievements in the U.S. Capitol. “The Apotheosis of George Washington,” on the dome in the Rotunda, is one of the highlights of his work here. Although he worked flat on his back on wooden scaffolding through the intense summer temperatures, Brumidi created a masterpiece. Additionally, his artwork can be found in the House of Representatives Chamber, several committee rooms, the President's Room, the Senate Reception Room, and throughout the corridors of the Capitol.

“I am thrilled that we are recognizing such an outstanding artist and an important contributor to the history of our nation. The Capitol Building is truly special because of its beautiful architecture and priceless artistic treasures. Without Brumidi’s influence, tours of the Capitol simply would not be as interesting and exciting for our constituents.

“I am pleased to see the Hellenic Caucus join with the co-chairs of the Italian American Congressional Delegation in bringing this resolution to the Floor, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

“Thank you.”

BACKGROUND: The Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, founded by Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Michael Bilirakis (FL) in 1996, includes 125 Members of Congress. The purpose of this bipartisan caucus is to foster and improve relations between the United States and Greece. The Caucus serves to bring a renewed Congressional focus on key diplomatic, military, and human rights issues in a critical part of the world. Some of the topics on which the Caucus focuses include U.S. aid to Greece and Cyprus, the conflict on Cyprus, U.S. relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and recent developments in the Aegean.

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