The Apotheosis of Washington

Pictured above is the famous Capitol Rotunda. Painted by Italian artist Constantino Brumidi in 1865, The Apotheosis of Washington depicts our Founding Father, George Washington, becoming a god.

Etymology of Apotheosis ἀποθέωσις

Apotheosis—1600s, from L.L. apotheosis “deification,” from Gk. apotheosis, from apotheoun “deify, make (someone) a god,” from apo- special use of this prefix, meaning, here, “change” + theos “god” (see Thea). Verb apotheosize is attested from 1760. (Online Etymology Dictionary)

Hidden Mystery in the United States Capitol Building

I have to be honest, I have never seen this  fresco with my own eyes. While I’ve been to the Capitol Building several times, I was much younger—and far more ignorant. I was a child, I had no idea what floated above and even if I did its symbolism would have been lost on me completely.

Not that I am fully qualified to articulate its meaning now, I hope to spark a discussion about what sits at the heart of our nation. After analyzing this fresco I left more certain than ever that our nation’s foundation is far more ancient and far more mystical than most people care to realize.

Washington Becomes a God?

Strange to believe that such a thing might be true—even the idea of it. Nevertheless, right in our Capitol’s Rotunda, in the building that replicates St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, our elected officials operate under the watchful (godlike?) eye of Our Father—George Washington.

Prominently displayed as the fresco’s centerpiece we see George Washington steadfast among the clouds, surrounded by 13 maidens bearing 13 stars above their head; an ostensible representation of the original colonies. Washington is ensconced in his throne, wrapped in purple—befitting of the gods—brandishing his sword. The pillar of power, Washington is completing his allegorical transformation and ascension to the Throne of the American Pantheon. [Enlarged view of Washington]

America’s Pantheon

Brumidi’s image is brimming with very direct connections to the Roman Pantheon. His artistic presentation is befitting of the Founder’s desire to create a New Rome—Nova Roma—in the New World. A country that would safe-harbor a modern Republic that would pay careful homage to the ancients.

Commerce Transacted by Mercury

Starting at the 12 o’clock orientation stands Mercury (Hermes in the Greek Pantheon), Messenger of the Gods and Chief of Commerce. He is identified by his winged helm and famed sandals (used for speed). In the scene, Mercury is handing over a sack of money—gold most likely—to Revolutionary War financier, Robert Morris. This transaction is symbolically significant as Mercury, Messenger of Jupiter, is ordaining America’s Independence as the divine will of Jupiter. [View Mercury]

Mechanics Forged by Vulcan

Traveling clockwise, toward 2 o’clock, we see Vulcan (Hephaestus ), God of Fire and the Forge, supervising the cannon and its stockpile of cannonballs. In the background a steam engine can be seen, marking one of the most important advancements in our country’s history empowering us to connect the continent. Here the gods are providing America with the tools of conquest. [View Vulcan]

Agriculture Cultivated by Ceres

Continuing on we move to Ceres’ (Demeter’s) instructions. As the Goddess of Wheat and Cornucopia, Ceres bestows the wishes of bountiful harvests and a rich store of food. This would prove prophetic as the American breadbasket is one of the most fertile, productive regions of flat-plain in the entire world. As simple as this concept may seem, the strength of a nation is in its stomachs. [View Ceres]

War Liberated by Freedom

Located at the 6 o’clock position we have the one non-classical entry among the outer circle of the fresco. Here we see the female personification of America’s liberty and strength in the role of Freedom. It’s choice to not be symbolized with a traditional godhead is an important representation as America’s entry as the pinnacle of the New World. The Statue of Freedom also makes it vigilant home atop the Capitol Building as a 6 meter tall eternal sentry. [View Freedom]

Science Instructed by Minerva

At the 8 o’clock orientation there is a depiction of the Roman Goddess Minerva (Athena), Goddess of Wisdom, with her classic helmet and spear instructing our great scientists Benjamin Franklin and Robert Fulton. Minerva was highly revered in Roman times, second only to Jupiter, symbolizing the importance of science and wisdom in its past and future role to our nation. [View Minerva]

Marine Exploration Captained by Neptune and Venus

At 10 o’clock Neptune (Poseidon), God of the Sea, along with Venus (Aphrodite), Goddess of Love, born of the sea, are overseeing the laying of the transatlantic cable. Neptune is easily marked with his mighty trident in hand while Venus is depicted half-clothed in her flowing blue cloth. Together, as masters of the sea, they are nurturing the country’s great evolution as a sea-faring nation. [View Neptune and Venus]

What can we take away from Apotheosis of Washington?

What do we make of this secular god-making? What of the ignorant claims that our founders were staunch, fundamental Christians? What of the separation of Church and State? Why is a pagan fresco at the epicenter of the New World? Lastly, why do we fail to notice that which hides in plain sight?