The face of an angel in a fresco at Rome's Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, which bore a resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been erased. Artist Bruno Valentinetti, who restored his own 2000 fresco, removed the image last week following an inquiry by Italy's culture ministry and the diocese of Rome, stating he acted at the Vatican's request.
The Vatican ordered the removal of an angel's face resembling Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from a fresco at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome. The fresco, painted by artist Bruno Valentinetti in 2000 and restored in 2023, features two angels praying over Italy's last king, Umberto II. After Italian media noted the likeness, Valentinetti initially denied it but later admitted the angel bore Meloni's features. On Tuesday, he painted over the face, citing Vatican orders. The Diocese of Rome confirmed the original face will be restored, and an investigation has been launched.
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A volunteer restorer in Rome, Bruno Valentinetti, has been accused of altering a church fresco to make an angel bear the likeness of Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The fresco, in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, was restored after water damage, and the angel holding a map of Italy now appears to resemble the political leader. Valentinetti denies the likeness, claiming he faithfully followed the original design.