Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Italy investigates church angel painting resembling Meloni
In a church in Rome, a painting of an angel was restored to look like Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni.
The culture ministry is investigating this change.
The artist who did the restoration says he just fixed what was there before.
Some people are worried that the painting might be used for political reasons.
Meloni herself laughed it off and posted a funny message about it on Instagram.
The painting is not very old, so it's not protected as a historical artifact.
An angel painting in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, Rome, was restored to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The culture ministry ordered an inspection of the restored painting to decide on further action.
The artist, Bruno Valentinetti, denied altering the image, stating he restored the original painting from 25 years ago.
The opposition Five Star Movement expressed concerns about the painting being used for propaganda.
Meloni responded humorously on Instagram, posting a picture of the painting with a laughing emoji.
- Who
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Culture Ministry, Artist Bruno Valentinetti, Five Star Movement
- What
- An angel painting in a church was restored to resemble Meloni, prompting an investigation
- When
- January 31, 2024
- Where
- Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, Rome, Italy
- Why
- The painting was altered during restoration, leading to concerns about propaganda and an official investigation
- Location
- Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, Rome
- Subject
- Angel painting altered to resemble Giorgia Meloni
- Investigation
- Culture ministry ordered an inspection
- Artist
- Bruno Valentinetti
- Original Painting Date
- 2000
- Opposition Complaint
- Five Star Movement raised concerns about propaganda
- Meloni's Response
- Posted a laughing response on Instagram