Who? I know. I’d never heard of him either until I happened upon a story at AwesomeStories (a site that provides primary source information for educators).
Constantino Brumidi, born in Rome (July 26, 1805 – February 19, 1880) to Greek/Italian parents, was an historical painter who became a naturalized American citizen in 1852.
A master of creating the illusion of three-dimensional forms and figures on flat walls, Brumidi painted frescoes and murals throughout the Capitol from 1855 until his death. The canopy fresco, his most ambitious work at the Capitol, was painted in eleven months at the end of the Civil War, soon after the new dome was completed, for $40,000.
U.S. Capitol Rotunda Fresco – Constantino Brumidi in 1865
Suspended 180 feet above the Rotunda floor, “The Apotheosis of Washington” covers an area of 4,664 square feet. The figures, up to 15 feet tall, were painted to be intelligible from close up as well as from 180 feet below. Some of the groups and figures were inspired by classical and Renaissance images, especially by those of the Italian master Raphael.
So now you know. Pretty awesome huh? Thank you Constantino!
