A mask of a grinning Faun may still be seen in the sculpture-gallery of the Bargello at Florence, and the marble is traditionally assigned to Michelangelo.  It does not exactly correspond to the account given by Condivi and Vasari; for the mouth shows only two large tusk-like teeth, with the tip of the tongue protruding between them.  Still, there is no reason to feel certain that we may not have here Michelangelo’s first extant work in marble.

“Michelangelo accordingly went home, and delivered the message of the Magnificent.  His father, guessing probably what he was wanted for, could only be persuaded by the urgent prayers of Granacci and other friends to obey the summons.  Indeed, he complained loudly that Lorenzo wanted to lead his son astray, abiding firmly by the principle that he would never permit a son of his to be a stonecutter.  Vainly did Granacci explain the difference between a sculptor and a stone-cutter:  all his arguments seemed thrown away.  Nevertheless, when Lodovico appeared before the Magnificent, and was asked if he would consent to give his son up to the great man’s guardianship, he did not know how to refuse.  ‘In faith,’ he added, ’not Michelangelo alone, but all of us, with our lives and all our abilities, are at the pleasure of your Magnificence!’ When Lorenzo asked what he desired as a favour to himself, he answered:  ’I have never practised any art or trade, but have lived thus far upon my modest income, attending to the little property in land which has come down from my ancestors; and it has been my care not only to preserve these estates, but to increase them so far as I was able by my industry.’  The Magnificent then added:  ’Well, look about, and see if there be anything in Florence which will suit you.  Make use of me, for I will do the utmost that I can for you.’  It so happened that a place in the Customs, which could only be filled by a Florentine citizen, fell vacant shortly afterwards.  Upon this Lodovico returned to the Magnificent, and begged for it in these words:  ’Lorenzo, I am good for nothing but reading and writing.  Now, the mate of Marco Pucci in the Customs having died, I should like to enter into this office, feeling myself able to fulfil its duties decently.’  The Magnificent laid his hand upon his shoulder, and said with a smile:  ‘You will always be a poor man;’ for he expected him to ask for something far more valuable.  Then he added:  ’If you care to be the mate of Marco, you can take the post, until such time as a better becomes vacant.’  It was worth eight crowns the month, a little more or a little less.”  A document is extant which shows that Lodovico continued to fill this office at the Customs till 1494, when the heirs of Lorenzo were exiled; for in the year 1512, after the Medici returned to Florence, he applied to Giuliano, Duke of Nemours, to be reinstated in the same.