The Apotheosis of Washington

Washington DC is a city with many classic sights and architectural wonders  - particularly the numerous majestic buildings. The US Capitol is one of those majestic buildings that any tourist must visit. . At the heart of the building is the Rotunda - a circular hall of 96 ft diameter.  At the center, a 180 foot above on the ceiling is a massive fresco - ' The apotheosis of George Washington'. This mural consists of a portrait of the first President of the United States rising to the heavens flanked by the figures of Liberty/Authority and Victory/Fame.

The Apotheosis was painted in the true fresco technique by Constantino Brumidi  in 1865. Brumidi (1805-1880) was born and trained in Rome and had painted in the Vatican and Roman palaces before emigrating to the United States in 1852. A master of creating the illusion of three-dimensional forms and figures on flat walls, Brumidi painted frescoes and murals throughout the Capitol from 1855 until his death.

If you are tourist on a Trip to DC, remember to book a guided tour into the US Capitol . This can be done online at  http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/

 US Capitol, Washington DC.

May 2011

Union Station in Washington DC

There is more to Washington DC than the US Senate and the White House. The best way to see Washington is to take a bus tour. There are three major bus tour companies operating - Tourmobile, Open Top Sightseeing and Old Town Trolley. We took the tour mobile from the Union Station.  The  Union Station is the city’s main train station with over 32 million people visiting the station in a year. The station has an interesting shopping area and a large food court for a quick bite. 

                The Union Station in Washington DC

Food Court at the Union Station

Christopher Columbus Memorial

In front of the Union Station is the Christopher Columbus Memorial . The memorial is a large fountain with carvings of a native American, an elderly European, the figure of "Discovery" on the prow of a ship, and a globe. The three flagpoles represent the ships that carried the Columbus discovery party to the New World. Atop each pole an eagle perches on a small sphere .

You will also see a large metallic bell fixed on a stand in front of the station. This is the Freedom Bell donated by the American Legion. The bell is nearly twice the size of the real Liberty Bell

Utsav in front of the Freedom Bell. Note the Union Station in the background.

Washington DC. June 2011