He began with the rudiments of stone-hewing, blocking out marbles designed for the Library of San Lorenzo, and acquiring that practical skill in the manipulation of the chisel which he exercised all through his life.

Condivi and Vasari agree in relating that a copy he made for his own amusement from an antique Faun first brought him into favourable notice with Lorenzo.
The boy had begged a piece of refuse marble, and carved a grinning mask, which he was polishing when the Medici passed by.

The great man stopped to examine the work, and recognised its merit.

At the same time he observed with characteristic geniality: "Oh, you have made this Faun quite old, and yet have left him all his teeth! Do you not know that men of that great age are always wanting in one or two ?" Michelangelo took the hint, and knocked a tooth out from the upper jaw.

When Lorenzo saw how cleverly he had performed the task, he resolved to provide for the boy's future and to take him into his own household.