Thursday, August 14, 2003 The U.S. Capitol,
Long a Cesspool of Debauchery
Capitol Hill Press Secretary Jim Berard reveals in his new book, "The Capitol Inside & Out" (EPM Publications Inc.), when renowned artist Constantino Brumidi painted his masterpiece fresco, "Apotheosis of Washington," 180 feet above the Rotunda floor, he seated 13 questionable ladies around the Father of Our Country.
"Working atop a high wooden scaffold, Brumidi idealized the first president, showing him ascending into a golden sky, surrounded by historical, mythological and allegorical figures," Mr. Berard writes. "In order for the figures to be easily viewed from the floor far below, Brumidi painted them more than twice life size, some of them 15 feet high. The work took 11 months to complete."
Shown clad in his military uniform, George Washington is flanked by 13 maidens representing the 13 original states.
"When Brumidi created the Apotheosis, he needed models for the ... 13 original colonies," Mr. Berard continues. "Frank G. Carpenter, Washington correspondent for the Cleveland Leader in the 1800s, wrote in one of his columns: '[Brumidi] is said to have been a free liver, and the story is told that the thirteen fair faces which look down into the Rotunda include those of certain ladies of questionable reputation with whom he was acquainted.' " Washington TimesGeorge Washington, the last American president to surround himself with fallen women. Thank God! -- posted by Chuck at Thursday, August 14, 2003 | E-mail | Permalink | Main |
0 comments
|
