The Brumidi desk is of Cuban mahogany on wild cherry, made around 1820. It has recently been restored with great skill by Charles McGahan who has given it a fine finish and a dignified beauty that speaks of Brumidi and his art.
The old desk is on display in Congressman Murdock’s office—held in trust for Mrs. Strieby until such time as it can be a part of a Brumidi memorial cared for by the Government of the United States. Mrs. Strieby died one week after urging the author to take over responsibility for the desk. She did not live to see the restored beauty of Brumidi’s last gift to Grandfather Strieby, but she was happy knowing that her obligation to Brumidi and to his good friend, Grandfather Strieby, had been fulfilled.
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
The Congress of the United States recently voted an appropriation which provided a marker and perpetual care for the long lost grave of Constantino Brumidi in Glenwood Cemetery. This legislation was signed by President Truman on June 30, 1950. The marker will soon be put in place with appropriate ceremony and loving tribute.
Even the best 1950 eulogy to Constantino Brumidi, however, cannot surpass the simple statement of appreciation and understanding offered on the Floor of the Senate of the United States soon after the death of the great artist. Said Senator Voorhees of Indiana on February 24, 1880:
“Mr. Brumidi was engaged at the time of his death on what he regarded as the greatest work of his life. He was unfolding with the magic of genius in the Dome of the Capitol the scroll of American history, from the landing of Columbus to the present day. He earnestly desired to live long enough to complete this vast conception. But he has left an empty chair, and his great design unfinished, as others have done and will continue to do in other places.
“At no distant day some memorial will be erected in some appropriate place in the Capitol to his memory. He who beautifies the pathway of life, who creates images of loveliness for the human eye to rest upon, is a benefactor of the human race. He will be crowned by the gratitude of his own and of succeeding generations. In the older countries of Europe, where the profession of art has a higher rank than here, Brumidi would have had a public funeral, and his remains would have been deposited in ground set apart for persons of distinction. In England he would have had a place and a tablet in Westminster Abbey.
“It matters little, however, whether we or those who come after us do anything to perpetuate his memory. The walls of this Capitol will hold his fame fresh and ever increasing as long as they themselves shall stand.”