Church Angel Fresco in Rome Allegedly Altered to Resemble Italian Prime Minister
A national newspaper in Italy has reported that an angel fresco in a central Rome church has been restored to bear a striking likeness to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, sparking a formal investigation by the country's culture ministry. The prime minister herself has responded to the controversy with humour, dismissing the comparison on social media.
Front-Page Allegation and Immediate Official Response
The allegation first appeared on the front page of La Repubblica daily, which highlighted that one of two angels in a chapel at the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina now appears to depict the 49-year-old conservative leader. The newspaper published before-and-after images, noting the angel was previously a "generic cherub" but now seemingly mirrors Meloni's features.
In response, the Italian culture ministry has instructed Rome's chief art heritage official to conduct an immediate inspection of the restored painting. This preliminary step will inform any further actions regarding the fresco, which has become the centre of a national debate about art, politics, and potential propaganda.
Political Reactions and Restoration Details
The opposition Five Star Movement swiftly criticised the situation, stating: "We cannot allow art and culture to risk becoming a tool for propaganda or anything else, regardless of whether the face depicted is that of the prime minister." This comment underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the incident in Italy's charged atmosphere.
Parish priest Daniele Micheletti told the ANSA news agency that the chapel decorations had recently been touched up following water damage. He clarified that the original paintings date only to the year 2000, meaning they are not under any formal heritage protection. The restoration was carried out by Bruno Valentinetti, the same artist who created the original work two decades ago.
Denials and Humorous Dismissal from the Prime Minister
Artist Bruno Valentinetti has disputed the suggestion that he intentionally altered the angel's likeness, telling reporters: "I restored what was there before... 25 years ago." This claim adds a layer of complexity to the investigation, as officials seek to determine whether the resemblance is coincidental or deliberate.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads Italy's most right-wing government since the Second World War, has laughed off the affair. She posted a picture of the disputed painting on Instagram with the caption: "No, I definitely don't look like an angel." Meloni, a Roman Catholic who frequently aligns herself with traditional Christian values and uses the motto "Dio, patria, famiglia" (God, fatherland, family), appears to be treating the matter with light-heartedness amidst the formal probe.
