Painting of Cherub Resembling Italian Premier Altered Amid Controversy

ROME — Whether it was an act of divine intervention or simply a rushed effort to quash ongoing speculation and controversy, the final outcome remains: the ‘Angel Meloni’ no longer exists. A painting showcasing a cherub adorned with a face remarkably similar to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni had drawn significant attention at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, one of Rome’s oldest churches. By Wednesday, when the church resumed public access, the face of this angel had been removed, replaced by a noticeably hasty cover-up with paint or plaster, leaving the cherub’s body intact.

La Repubblica, which brought the story to public attention on Saturday with a front-page feature of the Meloni-resembling angel, reported that the restorer responsible had obscured the face as requested by church authorities. Bruno Valentinetti, the restorer, confirmed to the publication that he modeled the angel after Meloni but did not provide further explanation.

Following the publication of the cherub’s image, both the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Culture Ministry started investigations. The fresco in question was relatively recent, dating back to the year 2000, thus posing no threat to the church’s historical heritage. However, Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome, emphasized that incorporating a political figure in church art was inappropriate.

The widespread attention the basilica received because of this incident led to increased visitor numbers, with people eager to photograph the Meloni-inspired cherub, occasionally disrupting religious services.

On Wednesday, the Culture Ministry released directives for future references, stating that any plans to repaint the angel’s face would necessitate formal approval from both the government which holds ownership of the basilica, the diocese which oversees its operation, and the culture ministry’s special supervisory board for Rome.

The ministry specified that requests for authorization must include an accompanying sketch of the intended image.

Originally, Valentinetti created the cherub in 2000 as part of renovations of one of the basilica’s front chapels, which included the installation of a bust of Umberto II, Italy’s last king. The decorative piece featured the cherub holding a map of Italy, appearing to bow before the monarch.

The cherub was later restored following water-induced damage to the basilica starting in 2023, emerging with Meloni’s likeness. Investigations are currently aimed at determining the cherub’s initial appearance in 2000 to restore it to its original form. As of Wednesday, the cherub’s faceless state seems to be a temporary measure to remove Meloni’s resemblance from the artwork.

In response to the affair, Premier Meloni took a humorous stance. Over the weekend she remarked on social media, “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” accompanied by a laughing/crying emoji next to a photo of the artwork.