A recently renovated chapel in a Rome basilica has become the center of a political controversy after a restored angel in a fresco was said to bear a striking likeness to Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni.
The winged figure was repainted in a chapel of the San Lorenzo in Lucina basilica, shown holding a parchment and standing beside a bust of Umberto II, Italy’s last king, who was deposed when the republic was established in 1946. Observers and Italian media have questioned whether the restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, may have been inspired by Meloni, leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party. Valentinetti has reportedly had ties to right-wing politics.
Meloni appeared to respond lightly, posting on Instagram: “No, decidedly I do not resemble an angel,” and adding a laughing emoji.
Valentinetti has denied deliberately portraying the prime minister, saying he only restored the original fresco. Daniele Micheletti, the basilica’s priest, told ANSA that “there is indeed a certain resemblance,” adding: “But you would have to ask the restorer why he did it that way. I don’t know.”
On Saturday, Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered an inspection of the fresco 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,” officials said. The review aims to establish exactly what was done during the restoration and whether any intervention is required.
The episode has prompted debate in Italy about the role of restorations in historic churches and the potential for contemporary political imagery to appear in sacred spaces.