New-York tribune., 1879-06-10
ARrWoRK Ar 7HEYATI0NAL CAPITOL

DECORATIONS FOR THE ROTUNDA FRIEZE.
oNH-FoURTH OF THEM now CoMPLErED-THE SUB
JEcrs AS TREATED DEsCRIBED-THE AGED
ARTIST
lvRoM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBuNEl
WASHINGTON, June 6.-An interesting and
important piece Of historical artdccoration is in
progress the Rotunda of the Capitol Persons enter
ing the Rotunda about the time of the meeting Of
the two houses OF Congress, find large proportion Of
already locrng there looking in the direction
OF partly enclosed rough pine scaold attached to the
north side OF the Rotunda against the frieze
Perhaps Brumdi the srtist seventyfour years Of
age inst being hOised in his enclosed chair by long
rope tackle aud windass the of abor Persons
coming ont from either house about O'Clock m may
him coming down iu the way. When he Is
landed safely the floor again. and the frame that en-
closes his char unclasped and drawn up to Its place.
he sits resting and waiting for his attendants to come
down in another Then there is an opportunity. which
many avail Themselves Of to have pleasant chat with
him about his work. tie is an Italian, OF about medium
with quiet gentle manners, and has been In this
country about tweny-sx years most of which tme as
rs well known be has spent I'm the art service OK the GOV
ernmeut, for which purpose he originally came here.
The work with which this spacious frieze of the Ro
tunda. nearly 400 feet in circuit and ten feet
wde is to be llied. ia series OF plain rescorelievo
scenes full fesze illustrating the history of America
from its first discovery by Columbus TO the present
time. 1t is estimated that the work Will occupy about
three years In all IL being little over one-fourth
done The artist who is gctng somewhat feeble from
age, says in he should live to complete it, he
has acquainted the Government with man in Italy
who could go with it after his manner
The beginning OF the work is the west entrance
to the Rounda with aegorica group consisting OF
the Goddess of Liberty in an erect position with spear
and shield with expectan eagle perched at her feet
and the Muse of History sitting at Left with pen and
open book ready record the history OF the country
D.
has just landed of the Spanish boats, fun of
officers and men. the costumes and equipments OF
their day, with Columbus IN the act Of stepping down
plank and bearing his left arm flag ready to be un-
furled. one of the late mutineers who has been the
hrst to ashore, kneels in homage TO him at the
side Of The shOre-end Of the plank, holding it
at the same time steady and in its place with
his hands. Behind this man and next to the boat,
youns Spanard who has jumped ashore in the sand
i'm the attitude of devotion and thanksgiving Behind
the aegOrca group and 10 Its right young Spanish
sailor is making fast line, while an Indian girl sitting
al the feet OF the Goddess OF berty, TO be play
careleSsy with the slack Of the ine In the right
d in form TO- meet ther Strange snesis
the most advanced figures toward the boat being young
Of her as if appealing the kindness o. the newcomers
Close behind her TWO Indian girls bearing presents OF
trouica fruits, when oranges and pineappes are
conspicuous. Next behind these several Indian
cbes studc thc situation The daughter of the head
chief Is eudeavorng to get her fathers tnmahawk away
from him. the white men VIII not see IT, but holding
this in hs right hand he gently but hrmly stays her arm
The scene, proceeding 10 the spectator right,
the being separated by simple cactus bush
is PiZarro mount his horse for an overland trip
Peru He has just mad violent discussion with MS
officers about the practcaby of the enterprise, ana
these are divided going with him ana about
many turning 10 back 10 their vessel Iheee
seem HIM ana his companions adieu, while he,
looking back at them with smile, seems 10 say, you'll
wish Won had gone" Another cactus and then comes
the OF COrteZ, vita his staff the balls OF
the MOntezumas, where he is politely re-
ceIved by the gentle Mexican. main feature
this picture, besides the pcrsouages above mentioned,
naturd-sZed illustration Of the celebrated Royal
Mexican Calendar IN in the palace al that tne ana
soid TO be in the possession or OF the CatnOc
churches IN the City Of Mexico Next the Burial
position having been made OF his body according 10 his
dying request in order that the Indians being unable
ild ms grave, might regard him as god that had
translated The consists OF boat i'll the edge
of the river and filled with priests and attendants pear
ing torches. bier, like army stretcher
occupies conspicuous sideview position along the una
die OF the boat, with thrown over II, showing,
by undu atOns. the outlines of human fOrm cap-
pie priest srdndiug at the feet with an open DOOk-of
rites is performing the funeral ceremonies. -
The next in order Is PJcahOnas saving the NE
Of Captain Smith. The treatment OF the subject Is
similar that commonly seen smith is on his Knees
with his head held back by the hair by one savage,
while is about to bring down upon his fOrehead
"A huge war club. Al this juncture PocahOntas rushes
in between the upraised cuO aud the intended victim
Old POwhattan, usual Is stern lOOker-On, AT one
side. design yet in the nand OF the arts 10
the Landing Of the Pilgrims, 0t Plymouth ROCK a
small part of il has emerged from behind The scafOld
IA latter has been moved oIi--enOugh To snow "a
Massachusetts, tree instead OF cactus, Tor border
dividing line. The scene Is 10 De deYOtlOnal one
like the painting the EmbarkauUn OF the Pilgrims,
by Wier which it happens 10 come directly above IN
the IFcZe