An angel's face in a fresco within Rome's Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, which had been restored to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been removed following public attention and official investigations. The likeness, initially reported by La Repubblica newspaper, prompted inquiries from both the Italian Culture Ministry and the Diocese of Rome, leading to the removal of the image by the restorer.
Background of the Artwork and Restoration
The artwork in question was an angel figure located in a side chapel, specifically the Chapel of the Holy Souls of Purgatory, of the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina. This basilica, consecrated in 440 and currently owned by the Interior Ministry, is one of Rome's oldest churches. The original painting, part of renovations completed in 2000, was not under heritage protection.
The recent restoration was undertaken due to water damage. The figure, originally described as a "generic cherub," was part of a 2000 renovation that also included a bust of Italy's last king, Umberto II. In its original context, the cherub was depicted holding a map of Italy and appearing to defer to the monarch. After the restoration, the angel's face appeared to resemble Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Some observers considered the positioning problematic, as it depicted a figure resembling the current prime minister in an act of deference to a former monarch. This context is noted in light of Italy's post-World War II rejection of the monarchy due to its support for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, and the historical roots of Meloni's right-wing political party in neo-fascist movements.
Official Reactions and Investigations Launched
The perceived resemblance triggered multiple official responses and investigations:
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the controversy on Instagram, posting an image of the restored angel with the caption:
"No, I definitely do not look like an angel,"
accompanied by a laughing emoji. - Italy's Culture Ministry dispatched technicians and officials, including a special delegate, Daniela Porro, to the basilica to inspect the winged figure. Their stated objectives were to establish the nature of the work carried out and to decide on a course of action. The ministry later emphasized that all restoration projects in Roman churches must receive prior authorization, including submitted drawings, from relevant authorities such as the Ministry of the Interior's Fund for Places of Worship, the Vicariate, and the Special Superintendency of Rome.
- The Diocese of Rome initiated its own "necessary investigations." Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the vicar general of Rome, expressed "disappointment" and "bitterness" over the incident and criticized the parish priest's initial perspective. The diocese reiterated its stance that:
"images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited," stating they are intended solely for liturgical life and prayer, and that "political figures do not belong in church art."
The Restorer's Account and Confession
Bruno Valentinetti, an octogenarian and volunteer restorer, conducted the work on the fresco over two years, completing it approximately a year prior to the controversy.
Initially, Valentinetti stated that he had restored the faces to their original state from 25 years prior by recovering the original design beneath layers. He denied any political affiliations or that the angel resembled the prime minister, asserting that any perceived resemblance was subjective.
However, he later confirmed to La Repubblica newspaper that the likeness was indeed of the Prime Minister, though he maintained it was similar to the original artwork from 2000. Valentinetti subsequently reported that he had been asked by the Vatican to remove the image.
Parish Priest's Stance and Decision to Remove
Reverend Daniele Micheletti, the parish priest of the basilica, acknowledged "a certain resemblance" to Meloni. He stated he had instructed Valentinetti to restore the water-damaged chapel "exactly as it was" and defended the sacristan. Micheletti also noted a historical tradition of artists depicting real individuals in religious art, citing examples like Caravaggio and Michelangelo, and stated he was not responsible for the decorations as the basilica is owned by the Interior Ministry.
Following the increased public interest and an influx of hundreds of visitors seeking to view the image, Father Micheletti decided to have it removed. He stated that the image had:
"created too many divisions in the church," despite it being permissible from a regulatory standpoint. He also commented that the increase in visitors who came "instead of listening to mass or praying" was "not acceptable."
Political Reactions and Removal of the Image
Opposition politicians also voiced concerns:
- Irene Manzi of the centre-left Partito Democratico called the situation "unacceptable" and called for an investigation into potential breaches of heritage regulations.
- The Five Star Movement warned against art and culture becoming "a tool for propaganda."
The face of the winged angel was subsequently removed overnight by Valentinetti, leaving a visible white area where the cherub's head had been. The Vatican has not publicly commented on Valentinetti's claim of having been asked by them to remove the image.