A painting resembling Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has been altered following a public outcry. The artwork, featuring a cherub with a striking resemblance to Meloni, was located in the historic Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina. This change occurred just days after the image garnered attention, leading to significant controversy.
The church reopened on Wednesday to reveal that the cherub’s face had been obscured. While the body remained intact, it was covered with a patch of paint or plaster that many deemed unprofessional. The La Repubblica newspaper, which first reported the story, indicated that the restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, acted at the request of church authorities, who insisted on the removal of the political likeness. Valentinetti admitted to modeling the angel after Meloni but did not provide a rationale for this choice.
Following the initial publication of the cherub, both the diocese of Rome and the Italian Ministry of Culture initiated investigations. Although the original painting had been completed in 2000, and thus was not considered a significant historical artifact, the church authorities maintained that depictions of political figures have no place in religious art.
As a result of the controversy, the basilica attracted a surge of interest from both locals and tourists eager to witness the Meloni cherub. This influx of visitors at times disrupted Mass services, leading to further scrutiny of the situation.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Culture outlined new regulations regarding any potential restoration of the cherub. Future plans to repaint the angel’s face must receive prior authorization from the government, the diocese of Rome, and the special superintendency for culture in the city. The Ministry specified that requests for permission should include a sketch of the proposed image.
Valentinetti originally crafted the cherub in 2000 during renovations of one of the basilica’s chapels, where it was designed to complement a bust of Umberto II, the last king of Italy. The cherub was restored after water damage affected the basilica starting in 2023. During this restoration, the resemblance to Meloni emerged, prompting the subsequent investigations aimed at reverting the painting to its original state.
The decision to erase Meloni’s likeness appears to be a temporary measure, as the faceless cherub now stands in the church. Meloni herself addressed the situation humorously on social media, stating, “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” accompanied by a laughing emoji alongside a photo of the artwork.
The incident has sparked discussions about the intersection of politics and art, particularly within religious contexts. As investigations continue, the basilica remains a focal point for curiosity, reflecting broader societal debates regarding representation in sacred spaces.
