A newly restored painting in one of Rome's most historic churches has unexpectedly become the centre of a political and cultural storm, after an angelic figure was noted to bear a striking resemblance to Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
Basilica Restoration Draws National Attention
The controversy centres on a fresco within the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, located in the heart of the Italian capital. Following restoration work prompted by water damage to the church, the national newspaper La Repubblica highlighted that one of the winged female angels in the painting appeared to closely mirror the features of the incumbent Prime Minister.
The artwork serves as a monument to Umberto II, the final King of Italy, whose reign lasted a mere thirty-four days. It depicts two angels watching over the monarch, with one female figure holding a scroll that displays a map of Italy.
Political Reactions and Denials
Prime Minister Meloni herself responded to the comparisons with humour on social media, stating plainly: 'No, I definitely don't look like an angel.' However, the light-hearted remark did little to quell the growing political furore.
Opposition figures, particularly from the Five Star Movement, voiced strong objections. They argued that the perceived likeness risked turning art and culture into a potential tool for political propaganda, regardless of the subject's identity. 'We cannot allow art and culture to risk becoming a tool for propaganda or anything else,' the movement stated.
Restorer's Defence and Ministry Intervention
The volunteer restorer responsible for the work, Bruno Valentinetti—who also created the original painting approximately twenty-six years ago—firmly denied any intentional resemblance. 'I restored what was there 25 years ago,' Valentinetti asserted, adding, 'Who says it looks like Meloni?' He emphasised that the original works were not under any formal heritage protection.
Parish priest Daniele Micheletti acknowledged a 'certain resemblance' but deferred to the restorer's intentions, stating he did not know why the figure was rendered in that particular way.
The mounting pressure and allegations of potential impropriety have led to official action. Italy's Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, confirmed he has ordered a formal inspection of the painting. An expert has been tasked to 'determine the nature of the works carried out on the updated painting inside one of the chapels of San Lorenzo in Lucina and decide what further steps might be taken.'
This incident underscores the delicate intersection of art, restoration, and contemporary politics in Italy, raising questions about artistic interpretation and cultural stewardship in the nation's historic institutions.
