The face of an angel in a fresco at the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, Rome, which bore a striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been removed overnight, leaving the cherub headless. The Vatican reportedly ordered the removal after the amateur artist responsible confessed to deliberately making the likeness.
The restoration by Bruno Valentinetti had sparked controversy after La Repubblica reported the resemblance on Saturday. Valentinetti initially denied the likeness was intentional but later admitted, 'Yes, it’s the prime minister’s face.' He claimed it was similar to the original painting, which was completed in 2000 and is not protected by heritage regulations.
Cardinal Baldo Reina, the diocese’s vicar general, expressed 'bitterness' over the incident, stating that 'images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited.' The basilica’s parish priest, Daniele Micheletti, said he had noticed a resemblance but had instructed Valentinetti to restore the painting exactly as it was. He noted that the church had been filled with curious visitors, which he deemed unacceptable.
Opposition politicians from the Five Star Movement condemned the incident, warning that art should not become 'a tool for propaganda.' Meloni herself laughed off the controversy, posting a picture of the painting on Instagram with the caption: 'No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,' along with a laughing emoji.
