Italian Immigrant Painter Honored George Washington in Iconic Capitol Fresco

Constantino Brumidi's 'Apotheosis of Washington' mural is a masterpiece adorning the U.S. Capitol dome.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Constantino Brumidi, an Italian immigrant artist, was commissioned to paint the iconic 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco that adorns the dome of the U.S. Capitol. Brumidi, known as 'The United States Capitol's Indispensable Artist,' spent 25 years decorating the Capitol's walls and ceilings, but his crowning achievement was the magnificent 4,664-square-foot mural depicting George Washington ascending to the heavens, flanked by figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame.

Why it matters

Brumidi's fresco is a powerful artistic tribute to George Washington, the 'America's Indispensable Man' who led the nation's fight for independence and served as its first president. The mural reflects how Washington was revered as a near-mythical figure who embodied the ideals of the young nation, and Brumidi's work has become an enduring symbol of American identity and values.

The details

Brumidi, who had studied fresco painting in Italy, came to America in 1852 after fleeing the Italian Revolution. He visited the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. and was determined to win the commission to decorate the building's empty walls. Over the next 25 years, Brumidi painted numerous murals and frescoes throughout the Capitol, but his crowning achievement was the 'Apotheosis of Washington' mural, which he completed in just 11 months after the new Capitol dome was finished in 1864. Brumidi's dangerous work, often performed while lying on a platform 180 feet above the Rotunda floor, nearly cost him his life when he fell and had to be saved by a security guard.

  • Brumidi came to America in 1852 after fleeing the Italian Revolution.
  • Brumidi visited the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. and was determined to win the commission to decorate the building's empty walls.
  • Brumidi painted the 'Apotheosis of Washington' mural in just 11 months after the new Capitol dome was finished in 1864.
  • Brumidi died in 1880, with another important work, the Capitol's Frieze of American History, left unfinished.

The players

Constantino Brumidi

An Italian immigrant artist who was commissioned to paint the iconic 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco that adorns the dome of the U.S. Capitol. Brumidi, known as 'The United States Capitol's Indispensable Artist,' spent 25 years decorating the Capitol's walls and ceilings.

George Washington

The 'America's Indispensable Man' who led the nation's fight for independence and served as its first president. Brumidi's 'Apotheosis of Washington' mural depicts Washington ascending to the heavens, flanked by figures representing Liberty and Victory/Fame.

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What they’re saying

“Washington is the mightiest name of Earth. To add brightness to the sun, or glory to the name of Washington, is alike impossible. Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked deathless splendor, leave it shining on.”

— Abraham Lincoln (Springfield, Illinois (1842)

“This isn't ancestor worship, this is reality, this is the truth. To be indifferent to people like Washington is a form of ingratitude. We ought to be down on our knees thanking God we're a part of this country, and we ought to know about the people who made it possible.”

— David McCullough, Historian

The takeaway

Brumidi's 'Apotheosis of Washington' fresco is a powerful artistic tribute that reflects the reverence and admiration Americans have held for George Washington, the nation's founding father and first president. The mural's depiction of Washington ascending to the heavens, surrounded by symbols of liberty and victory, has become an enduring symbol of American identity and values.