Constantino Brumidi

Born in Rome, Brumidi studied sculpture and painting under masters such as Antonio Canova and Bertel Thorvaldsen. This classical foundation became the source of the grand style he later displayed at the U.S. Capitol.¹

Before moving to America, he worked for three years in the Vatican under Pope Gregory XVI. The advanced fresco techniques he cultivated during this period led to him being called the 'Michelangelo of the United States.'¹

Following the French occupation of Rome in 1849 and the collapse of the Roman Republic he joined, he decided to emigrate to the U.S. He became a naturalized citizen in 1852, beginning his career in the New World.¹

A turning point came in the 1850s when he met Montgomery C. Meigs, who oversaw the Capitol dome construction. Initially paid $8 a day, his talent was soon recognized, establishing him as a government painter.¹

His masterpiece, 'The Apotheosis of Washington,' is a massive fresco on the Capitol dome's ceiling. It depicts George Washington ascending among gods, blending Renaissance and Baroque styles.¹

He died while working on the 'Frieze of American History' in the Capitol rotunda. The work was continued by his pupil Costaggini and others; the final panel was not completed until 1953, over 70 years after his death.¹

After his death, his achievements were long forgotten and his grave lost, but he was later rediscovered. In 2008, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal and is now highly regarded as an iconic American artist.¹