The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-22

20, 1906, OF an Italian mother and a
Greek father. When very young he
evinced strong taste and propensity
for drawing. a teacher was procured
and he was admitted as student at
the Academia di San Luca when but
IS. 1t was while at this school that
he began the study OF fresco. and took
up plastic art under Thorwaldsen and
sculpture under Canova. At 80 Brumidi
had attained sufficient recognition to
attract the notice Of Pope Gregory
XVI, who commissioned him with three
other well known artists of that period
,-POdestl, Coghaetti and Capaliti-tO
restore the Raphael frescOes In the
Vatican.
When Plus IN. assembled the papal
throne Brumidi painted the portrait Of
that pontiff and It now hangs In the
Vatican gallery. The new Pope. well
pleased with the work. ordered a rep
lea Of himself and presented the
young artist with gold medal.
About this time Brumidi became a
captain in the National Guards. but con-
tinued his work upon the Vatican walls
In lS4s ROssi was assassinated. Plus
TX. fled to Gaeta. and the soldier
Of his company upon the people. This
he fatty refused to do. his house was
surrounded at midnight by a Gordon Of
soldiers. the artist captain dragged from
his bed and thrown into prison. After
thirteen months of prison life Brumid
was released, but with the understand
ing that he would leave Italy at once
and forever.
In 1s49 Brumidi bade a last farewell
to home and family and sailed for
America. His leaving was rendered
especially sad by reason of the fact that
while confined in prison he became
estranged from his wife.
Arriving I'm New York he had little
difficulty In gaining recognition, as Is
evidenced by the altar piece "The
Crucihxion" in St. Stephens Church
here. At the time II was painted ii
was the largest picture in oils In the
United States. Brumidi was afflicted with
wanderlust and has left examples of his
work throughout the United States and
Mexico. principally religious subjects In
cathedral and church. On his way to
Mexico he visited the Capitol in Wash
ington and there received the inspira-
ton for the great work OF his life.
Finishing his work In Mexico Signor
Brumidi returned to Washington In
1853 and applied to Gen. Meade. who
was at that time in charge OF the Capt.
tol, for permission to show what could
he accomplished by way Of mural
decoration In the building. Gen. Meade
was not inclined to take any chances
and the desired permission was delayed
But persistent application finally won
the artist his desire and the Italian
entered the CapitOl-fOr life.
His first work was the establishment
Of the Agricultural Committee room. the
central design being "Clncinnatus at the
Plough" George Hazelton In his book
on the National CAPITOL declares this
to be the finest example Of mural paint
ing In America. The Senate waiting
room next claimed Brumidis attention,
and few years ago. while visiting in
this country. Prince Henry OF Prussia
said: This room il the most beauti-
fully decorated one in the world. II is
marvellOusly lovely"
And 80 Brumidis brush swept on and
on over the walls OF the great building,
| transforming It Into "A thing Of beauty.
In the lower corridors he demOnstr ted
an art new to America. skilfully Orna-
menting the long. narrow halls In