The Constantino Brumidi Bronze Medal
Medals
- Year of Issue: 2008
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 110-259
- View in our product catalog.
Background
This bronze medal, a duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded posthumously to Constantino Brumidi (1805-1880), recognizes and honors his contributions to our Nation as a designer of murals in the U.S. Capitol Building. His many accomplishments included:
- Designing and painting murals in the House and Senate wings of the Capitol between 1855 and 1880
- Creating murals in the Senate Reception Room, the President’s Room, the Senate Appropriations Committee Rooms and the Brumidi Corridors
- Painting his masterpiece, “”The Apotheosis of Washington,”” in the eye of the Capitol dome and the Frieze of American History around its base
- Creating the first tribute to a black American in the Capitol Building with the figure of Crispus Attucks, the focal point off his fresco of the Boston Massacre
Brumidi was born in Rome of a Greek father and Italian mother. He came to the U.S. in 1852 and became a citizen in 1857. His life and work exemplify the lives of millions of immigrants who came to this country to pursue the American dream.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads side) depicts a portrait of Constantino Brumidi within a decorative border based on his designs.The reverse (tails) features the central portion of Brumidi’s "The Apotheosis of Washington."
Obverse Inscriptions
- CONSTANTINO BRUMIDI
Reverse Inscriptions
- ARTIST of the CAPITOL
- 2008 ACT OF CONGRESS
Mint and Mint Mark
Artist Information
- Don Everhart, Sculptor-Engraver