The similarity was first noticed by the newspaper La Repubblica, which stated that one of the two angels flanking the marble bust of Italy’s last king in the Basilica of St. Lovre in Lucina now has a “familiar, strikingly contemporary face,” writes The Guardian.
– Before the restoration, it was a generic cherub. Today it is the face of the most powerful woman in the country – they added.
The front page story sparked a range of reactions. The Ministry of Culture announced that technicians were sent to inspect the winged figure. They were ordered to determine the nature of the work performed and to decide what measures to take. As before and after photos circulated on social media, Meloni spoke up. She posted a photo of the restored angel on Instagram with the comment that it definitely does not look like an angel.
– There is indeed a certain resemblance, but you would have to ask the restorer why it was done that way. I asked that the chapel be restored exactly as it was – said the pastor of the basilica, Daniele Micheletti, for the Ansa agency.
He added that the restoration was needed after the fresco chapel suffered water damage.
“What has come to light is unacceptable,” said Irene Manzi of the center-left Partito Democratico, calling for an investigation into whether the restoration violated heritage protection regulations.
Members of the Five Star Movement pointed to broader implications.
– We cannot allow art and culture to become a means of propaganda or anything else, regardless of whether the face shown belongs to the Prime Minister – said the party.
The Diocese of Rome said its vicar general, Baldassare Reina, was disappointed by what happened and would immediately launch the necessary investigations to determine who was responsible.
(Vijesti.ba / FENA)
