MILAN, Italy, July 27 (UPI) -- Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was photographed in front of Leonardo's "Last Supper" in full view of signs banning flash photography.
Berlusconi was playing host to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, The Daily Telegraph reported. Medvedev and his wife are in Italy on vacation this week.
Alberto Artioli, superintendent of works for Milan, where the masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci is housed in the Santa Maria delle Grazie museum, defended the photo session. He said he granted Medvedev's wish for flash pictures because the session was short and the photographers were standing far back from the picture.
Ulberico Santa Maria, who works at the Vatican Museums, where flash photography is completely banned, said he would never have allowed an exception.
UPI
