[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 264 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
H.Con.Res.264
Agreed to February 24, 2004
One Hundred Eighth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,
the twentieth day of January, two thousand and four
Concurrent Resolution
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.
Attest:
Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Attest:
Secretary of the Senate.