Artist. Many biographers refer to him as the "Michelangelo of the Capitol." He grew up in Rome and studied at the Italian Academy of Arts. During the French occupation of Italy he was 47 years of age and decided it was time to immigrate to the United States. He settled in New York City and became a naturalized citizen in 1852. Returning from a visit to Mexico in 1854 he stopped in Washington, DC and toured the Capitol building. He recognized the vast interior of the building as a great opportunity for decoration. The offer of his services to the quartermaster of the Capitol was accepted. One of his great works was the "Apotheosis of George Washington" which adorns the underside of the dome in the Rotunda. In the only known quote attributed to him, he said, "I have no longer any desire for fame and fortune. My one ambition and my daily prayer is that I may live long enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the one country on earth in which there is liberty." The records of Congress indicate that he was well paid for his services, but he died at home in apparently relative penury. His salary was originally the same as for the congressman, but was changed to a per diem rate. His largest commission was a $40,000 lump sum for the "Apotheosis of George Washington." He received all except $500 reserved for the completion of the project. For almost 100 years following his death, his grave was unmarked and abandoned.
Artist. Many biographers refer to him as the "Michelangelo of the Capitol." He grew up in Rome and studied at the Italian Academy of Arts. During the French occupation of Italy he was 47 years of age and decided it was time to immigrate to the United States. He settled in New York City and became a naturalized citizen in 1852. Returning from a visit to Mexico in 1854 he stopped in Washington, DC and toured the Capitol building. He recognized the vast interior of the building as a great opportunity for decoration. The offer of his services to the quartermaster of the Capitol was accepted. One of his great works was the "Apotheosis of George Washington" which adorns the underside of the dome in the Rotunda. In the only known quote attributed to him, he said, "I have no longer any desire for fame and fortune. My one ambition and my daily prayer is that I may live long enough to make beautiful the Capitol of the one country on earth in which there is liberty." The records of Congress indicate that he was well paid for his services, but he died at home in apparently relative penury. His salary was originally the same as for the congressman, but was changed to a per diem rate. His largest commission was a $40,000 lump sum for the "Apotheosis of George Washington." He received all except $500 reserved for the completion of the project. For almost 100 years following his death, his grave was unmarked and abandoned.
Bio by: Tom Todd
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