Join Us Virtually THURSDAY, JULY 23 | 6:00 P.M. EST. University of Maryland – NIAF Ernest L. Pellegri Series: Constantino Brumidi's Roman-Influenced Frescoes in the U.S. Capitol - with Elise A. Friedland. REGISTER

As proud Italian Americans, we all know that Italy has made a tremendous impact on the art and architecture of the United States, particularly in our nation's capital. While many are familiar with Constantino Brumidi's classically-inspired frescoes that grace the Rotunda of the US Capitol, few are familiar with his first full commission, the stunning Pompeii inspired fresco in the Senate wing's Naval Affairs Committee room.

Join NIAF to discover the connection between motifs in the Senate room and paintings discovered at Pompeii and other Campanian sites, as well as understand Brumidi's goals in choosing such a wholly Pompeian style. This lecture will also feature a stunning slideshow and brief Q&A after the presentation.

Elise A. Friedland is Associate Professor of Classics and Art History at George Washington University. She earned her PhD in Classical Art and Archaeology from University of Michigan and her BA in Classics from Williams College. Prof. Friedland has published two co-edited volumes, The Sculptural Environment of the Roman Near East: Reflections on Culture, Ideology, and Power (2008, Peeters Press) and The Oxford Handbook of Roman Sculpture (2015, 2018: Oxford University Press), and a monograph, The Roman Marble Sculptures from the Sanctuary of Pan at Caesarea Philippi/Panias (Israel) (2012, ASOR’s Archaeological Report Series). Prof. Friedland is currently engaged in two projects: studying the corpus of Roman marble sculptures discovered at Beth Shean/Scythpolis, Israel; and investigating the reception of Classical art in Washington. For 2020-2021, Prof. Friedland was awarded an NEH Public Scholar Fellowship to write Classical Washington: Greece & Rome in the Art and Architecture of DC.

This lecture is free and made possible through the NIAF Ernest L. Pellegri Grant, but registration is required.We can't wait for you to join us!