Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1865-11-01
Brumidi-s Great Painting in the Cam
opY in fiae D0ne Or re CapitOI.

Brumidiss Great Painting in the Can
II Opy i'm the Dome Of the Capitol.
This painting, when considered as t,
the conceptions of the artists, the perfec
ton of the eoloring and drawing, tn,
faultless grouping, or the peculiar charac
istics that adapt it to the concave surface
on which it is painted, and to the grea'
distance from which it must be viewed, j:
really masterpiece of art. In fore
shortening, coloring, and proportion, its
position has required the study of effects
produced at an altitude of 200 feet, and
Mr.. Brumidi, in addition TO his power OF
genius, has been obliged to bring into re-
QUESTION the learning oft highest schools
of art and all the aid of cultivated i'm
agination. -.
1t covers an area of 5000 feet, the can
opy at its base being "a feet in diameter
and 252 feet in circumference, and form
ing half sphere.
The prominent figure in the centre
piece is full length portrait of Washing
ton. On his right is seated the Goddess
of Liberty, and on his left is female fq-
ure representing Victory and Fame. The
circle is completed by group of female
figures, representing the thirteen original
States, supporting banner, on which is
the inscription, "E Pluri5us Un,fy,.v A
delicate subdued greenish tint for tho
Northern States blends gradually into the
warm and golden hues Of tina South; and
both the drapery and coloring are en-
blematical of the different sections of the
country, while these figures bear in their
hands the fruits of the different States
they representative maize of the North
the wheat of the West, and the cotton of
the Southland they smile for Joy while
they form an unbroken ring under the
cherished motto of the Great Republic.
Near the base of the canopy are six |
other groups, thd first representing war.
in which the Goddess of Liberty is in the |
attitude of striking down the monarchies
of the earth. Prominent figures of this
group are Revenge and Fanaticism bear
ing the torch of discord.
The second group is Agriculture The
Goddess Ceres and the horn of plenty are
IN the centre. On the right, Young Amer
ca triumphantly reins n pair of spirited
horses attached to an American reaper, i
md beautiful young lady is in the act of
gathering flowers; while on the left a
peasant girl bears basket of fruit.
The third is Mechanics in which
colossal fgnre of Vulcan rests his right
DOT on cannon. About him are forges.
nortars, cannon balls, and machinery.
sIhe fourth is Commerce Mercury, in
sitting posture, holds in his left hand
ar of gold, on which the attention of
Norris. the first Secretary of the Treasury,
} fixed. Two sailors are pointing at a
unboat in the distance, and a number of
QPSOnc hanI1iror ho,yn, of |
Use. .L
In this group the artist first painted a
keness of General Meigs who requested
nat of Morris to be substituted for it.
The fifth represents the Navy, with
Ieptune in the centre. On his right is a
CURE of Cupid holding in both hands the :
oil of the Atlantic cable, which is passed
Y female to the Goddess Venus who
rops it into the sea. TE
The last gronp represeots. Arts and
cience. In the centre is Minerva, with
YEAR and trident, and on her left is the
CURE of Franklin, by whose side are Wal y
r and Fulton, and workmen. On the
ght an instructor and pupils are repre-
nted in the act of imparting and receiv- !
e instruction. +
The painting is in freseo, and when illu- /
mated by hundred gas jets, the most s.
mute parts will appear in natural size of v
g spectator below, and the softness and
rfection of coloring and delineation will II
rpass anything of the kind ever before a
it upon exhibition. >,
The groundwork was prepared for the "
tist by Mr.. Beckert, who also prepared B
Q groundwork of Leutze's celebrated l.
hitting on the west stairway of the House
Representatives. a
The appropriation for frescolng being ex-
usted, the painting is unfinished, and the d
will remain beneath the canopy ie
til after Congress shall have provided ;,
r its completion.