Restored angel fresco with the face of the prime minister? Rome church mural sparks controversy

The Financial News reported that a recently restored fresco in a church in Rome has become the center of debate. The problem, critics say, is that the angel in the painting looks like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy.
Foreign media including Deutsche Welle (DW) of Germany and British daily The Times reported on January 1 (local time), saying, "Italians are wondering why the angel in the church fresco looks exactly like Meloni."
Italian media also raised questions, noting that the restorer in charge of the work is reportedly linked to right-wing politics. Meloni is the leader of the far-right party Brothers of Italy.
The fresco is located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, a church in central Rome that dates back to the 4th century. At the center is a bust of Umberto II of Italy, the country’s last king, flanked on both sides by winged angels.
Umberto II of Italy ascended the throne on May 9, 1946, but was deposed after just 34 days. He stepped down following a referendum that held him responsible for collaboration with fascism and abolished the monarchy.
In the fresco, the angel on the right holds a parchment scroll, while the angel on the opposite side carries the crown of the House of Savoy.

After the restoration, suspicions arose that the angel holding the scroll had been made to look like Meloni. Some opposition politicians have called for a full investigation into how the restoration was carried out.
As the controversy grew, restorer Bruno Ventinetti told the media, "I only brought out what was in the original painting," denying that he had used Meloni as a model. Meloni herself wrote on Instagram, adding a laughing emoji, "I have never looked like an angel."
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Rome municipal arts authority have also launched an inquiry into the fresco, but they are still debating how to proceed. Because it is a modern work, it is not subject to national protection.
An unexpected side effect has also emerged.
Daniele Micheletti, the priest of the church, told local media, "Since people started saying the angel in the fresco looks like Prime Minister Meloni, we have seen more visitors," adding, "If people who normally do not come to church end up coming here to pray, that is something to be glad about."
y27k@fnnews.com Seo Yoon-kyung Reporter