Meaning: 'Per year' means 'for each year' and indicates the number of visitors annually.

Wrong options:

• around the year: This phrase is not commonly used in English; it suggests a continuous time frame but lacks the specificity of annual frequency.
• the all year: This option is grammatically incorrect as it misuses the article 'the' and does not convey the intended meaning of annual frequency.
• all year round: While this phrase suggests continuous presence throughout the year, it is less formal and does not fit the context of quantifying visitors annually.

Correct answer: as well as

Explanation: The phrase 'as well as' appropriately connects Leonardo da Vinci's identity as a painter with his other attributes, fitting grammatically and contextually to indicate additional information about him.

Meaning: 'As well as' means 'in addition to' and is used to add information about Leonardo da Vinci's roles.

Wrong options:

• rather than: This phrase indicates a preference or contrast, which does not fit the context of describing da Vinci's multiple roles.
• as much as: This phrase implies a comparison in degree, which is not relevant in this context where we are adding information about da Vinci.
• as long as: This phrase indicates a condition or duration, which does not apply here as we are not discussing conditions related to da Vinci.

Correct answer: the best artists

Explanation: The phrase 'the best artists' is grammatically correct and contextually appropriate, as it denotes a superlative form that highlights da Vinci's exceptional status among artists of his era.

Meaning: 'The best artists' refers to those who are considered the highest in skill or reputation among their peers.

Wrong options:

• better artists: This comparative form is incorrect in this context as it does not convey the superlative meaning intended here.
• artist: This singular form does not match the plural context of discussing multiple artists.
• the better artist: This comparative form is also incorrect as it does not convey the superlative meaning required in this context.

Correct answer: described

Explanation: The word 'described' fits grammatically and contextually, as it indicates how the Mona Lisa is characterized or referred to in discussions about art.

Meaning: 'Described' means to give an account of something in words, particularly in terms of its qualities or characteristics.

Wrong options:

• classified: This term implies categorization, which does not fit the context of discussing how the painting is perceived or talked about.
• suggested: This word implies a recommendation or proposal, which does not align with the context of stating a fact about the painting's fame.
• predicted: This term implies forecasting or anticipating, which is not relevant in the context of discussing the painting's established reputation.