A Political Angel Disappears from Rome Basilica
A painting in Rome's Basilica of San Lorenzo featuring a cherub with the face of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni was altered to remove her likeness. Church authorities requested the alteration, stating political figures have no place in church art. The painting, originally created in 2000, drew public attention and led to official investigations.
- Country:
- Italy
The renowned Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina became a hotspot after a painting of an angel was found bearing the face of Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. But by Wednesday, the face was gone, erased hastily upon the church's request. The incident captured public interest, drawing lines of curious visitors disrupting services.
Restorer Bruno Valentinetti confessed to styling the cherub's face after Meloni and did so overnight as per the diocese's directive. The Culture Ministry, prioritizing historical integrity, mandated that any future art changes require prior approval. This decision was to deter politicization within sacred spaces.
The artwork dated back to 2000, during a chapel renovation phase, and included a cherub before the bust of Italy's last king. Damages necessitated repairs, resulting in the Meloni-like face. Investigations aimed to restore the original imagery while Meloni playfully dismissed the incident via social media.
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