26 July

Constantino Brumidi - painter

Rome-born artist responsible for murals in US Capitol Building

Constantino Brumidi, an artist whose work provides the backcloth to the daily business of government in the United States Capitol Building in Washington, was born on this day in 1805 in Rome.  Brumidi’s major work is the allegorical fresco The Apotheosis of Washington, painted in 1865, which covers the interior of the dome in the Rotunda.  Encircling the base of the dome, below the windows, is the Frieze of American History, in which Brumidi painted scenes depicting significant events of American history, although the second half of the work had to be completed by another painter, Filippo Costaggini, after Brumidi died in 1880.  Previously, between 1855 and about 1870, Brumidi had decorated the walls of eight important rooms in the Capitol Building, including the Hall of the House of Representatives, the Senate Library and the President’s Room.  Read more… 

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Francesco Cossiga - Italy's 8th President

Political career overshadowed by Moro murder

Former Italian President Francesco Cossiga was born on this day in 1928 in the Sardinian city of Sassari.  Cossiga, a Christian Democrat who had briefly served as Prime Minister under his predecessor, Sandro Pertini, held the office for seven years from 1985 to 1992. His presidency was unexceptional, although it was during his time that another heavyweight of the Italian political scene, Giulio Andreotti, revealed the existence during the Cold War years of Gladio, a clandestine network sponsored by the American secret services and NATO that was set up amid fears that Italy would fall into the hands of Communists, either through military invasion or via the ballot box.  Cossiga, said to have been obsessed with espionage, admitted to having been involved with the creation of Gladio in the years immediately following the end of the Second World War.  Read more…

Pope Paul II

Flamboyant pope who helped make books available to ordinary people

Pietro Barbo, who became Pope Paul II, died on this day in 1471 in Rome at the age of 54.  He is remembered for dressing up in sumptuous, ecclesiastical finery and having a papal tiara made for himself, which was studded with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, topaz, large pearls and many other precious gems.  Barbo was born in Venice and was a nephew of Pope Eugenius IV through his mother and a member of the noble Barbo family through his father.  He adopted a spiritual career after his uncle was elected as pope and made rapid progress. He became a cardinal in 1440 and promised that if he was elected pope one day he would buy each cardinal a villa to escape the summer heat. It was reported that Pope Pius II suggested he should have been called Maria Pietissima (Our Lady of Pity) as he would use tears to help him obtain things he wanted.  Read more…

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Book of the Day:  Constantino Brumidi, Michelangelo of the United States Capitol, by Myrtle Cheney Murdock

Constantino Brumidi, Michelangelo of the United States Capitol by Myrtle Cheney Murdock is a captivating biography that brings to life the acclaimed artist Constantino Brumidi, who is often referred to as the “Michelangelo of the Capitol.” Murdock masterfully chronicles Brumidi’s journey from his early years in Italy to his monumental works in the United States Capitol, highlighting the challenges he faced as an immigrant artist in the 19th century. The book delves into Brumidi’s intricate frescoes and murals, showcasing not only his artistic genius but also his patriotism and dedication to the American ideals. Murdock’s vivid prose and thorough research illuminate the cultural and historical context of Brumidi’s work, making it accessible to both art enthusiasts and general readers. This homage to a lesser-known yet profoundly impactful artist serves as an inspiring reminder of the contributions immigrants have made to American art and history, enriching the nation’s cultural heritage.

The late Myrtle Cheney Murdock served as a capitol docent, and taught classes at George Washington University. 

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