The Cover-Up: Italian Museums Hide Nude Statues for Rouhani Visit

Papal censor Biagio da Cesena was redeemed after Italian museums covered up nude artworks during the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited the country.

Italian museums in Rome covered up statues displaying nudity using wooden cartons ahead of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's visit for major investment deals, Italian daily The Local reported. 

Italy covered nude statues for Iran President Rouhani’s visit. #Ridiculous pic.twitter.com/VA5mu4hyPR

— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) 27 января 2016

The practice follows Italy's decision to cover up nude statues in Florence ahead of a visit by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in October. The moves parallel the 16th century Catholic Counter-Reformation, when many Italian Renaissance-era artworks were painted over by artist Daniele da Volterra, often on orders from Papal Master of Ceremonies Biagio da Cesena.

"You can not hide your culture, your religion or history itself. It was the wrong decision. We must enhance rather respect and differences," head of the Italian culture ministry's Superior Council for Cultural Heritage said on Italian television, cited by AFP.

Rouhani's refusal to attend meals which serve alcohol also led to a wine-free lunch with President Sergio Mattarella and dinner with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Italian companies made $18 billion worth of deals with Iran on Monday, when the Iranian President visited the country.