Rome Church Angel Fresco Sparks Meloni Lookalike Controversy

Restored Angel in Roman Basilica Bears Striking Resemblance to Italian PM

A restoration project at Rome's ancient Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina has ignited a political and artistic firestorm after a fresco angel was found to bear an uncanny resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The controversy, first reported by La Repubblica, has prompted Italy's Ministry of Culture to launch an official investigation into the restoration work.

From Generic Cherub to Political Lookalike

The fresco in question depicts a winged cherub flanking a marble bust of Italy's last king, Umberto II. According to reports, the angel's face was previously "generic" but after restoration now shows distinct features resembling Meloni, Italy's first female prime minister. The restoration was reportedly carried out by Bruno Valentinetti, the original artist who created the fresco in 2000, following water damage to the artwork.

Valentinetti, who has ties to right-wing political circles and previously worked for former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, denies any intentional alteration. "I restored what was there 25 years ago," he told media outlets. However, the basilica's rector acknowledged "a certain resemblance" to the prime minister.

Political Backlash and Cultural Concerns

The opposition Five Star Movement reacted with outrage, issuing a statement declaring that "art and culture must not become instruments for propaganda." The party has demanded accountability from Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, who has ordered Rome's chief art heritage official to conduct an immediate inspection.

Legal experts note the restoration potentially violates Italy's strict Cultural Heritage and Landscape Code, which prohibits arbitrary changes to artworks not based on scientific criteria. The code is designed to protect Italy's vast cultural heritage from unauthorized alterations.

Meloni's Humorous Response

Prime Minister Meloni herself responded with characteristic humor to the controversy. In a Facebook post featuring the fresco, she wrote: "No, I definitely don't look like an angel" accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Broader Implications for Cultural Preservation

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Italy between strict heritage preservation standards and political influences on cultural restoration projects. The Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, dating back to the 5th century, contains numerous artistic treasures including works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and is the burial place of French painter Nicolas Poussin.

Parish priest Daniele Micheletti explained that the restoration was necessary due to water damage and noted the original fresco from 2000 wasn't under heritage protection. However, critics argue that even non-protected artworks in historically significant settings should maintain artistic integrity.

As the investigation continues, the controversy raises important questions about oversight of restoration projects and the potential politicization of Italy's cultural institutions. The outcome may set precedents for how Italy balances artistic freedom with cultural preservation in an increasingly polarized political climate.