In a curious turn of events, a fresco in a historic church in Rome depicting a winged angel resembling Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been erased following intervention from the Vatican. This decision comes in the wake of rising embarrassment for church officials, as the artwork sparked public curiosity and controversy over the blending of politics and sacred art.
The Controversial Fresco
The fresco in question, located in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, featured an angelic figure that bore an uncanny resemblance to Meloni. This likeness was first brought to light by La Repubblica, leading to swift reactions from both the Italian culture ministry and the diocese of Rome. The amateur artist responsible for the restoration, Bruno Valentinetti, initially denied any intention to mimic the Prime Minister but later admitted that the angel’s face was indeed inspired by her features. “Yes, it’s the prime minister’s face,” he confessed to the newspaper, while attempting to justify the alteration by stating it was reminiscent of the original artwork.
Vatican’s Intervention and Public Reaction
After the revelation, the Vatican directed Valentinetti to erase the controversial image, resulting in the angel’s head being removed overnight. This decision was met with mixed reactions; while some welcomed the removal as a necessary step to uphold the sanctity of sacred art, others expressed disappointment over the loss of a peculiar attraction that had drawn many curious visitors to the church. Parish priest Daniele Micheletti noted a significant uptick in foot traffic, with many congregants more interested in the fresco than in attending mass or prayer. “There was a procession of people that came to see it instead of listening to mass or praying,” he remarked.
The incident has also sparked political outrage, particularly from opposition parties like the Five Star Movement, which condemned the use of art for political ends. They firmly stated that cultural expressions should not be exploited for propaganda, regardless of the subject’s identity.
Meloni’s Humorous Take
In an unexpected twist, Prime Minister Meloni herself reacted to the uproar with levity. Sharing a photo of the painting on her Instagram, she jokingly remarked, “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. Her response has been interpreted as an attempt to defuse the tension surrounding the controversy.
Why it Matters
This incident highlights the delicate interplay between art, politics, and religion in contemporary society. The erasure of the fresco not only underscores the Vatican’s commitment to preserving the integrity of sacred imagery but also raises questions about the role of personal likenesses in public art. As debates surrounding cultural representation and political symbolism continue, this episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact visual art can have on public perception and discourse.
