I wasn't always as renowned as I am now. I was once merely a peasant, that's how I was born. My mother said that my father was a rich man, but I never knew him. I was just a small boy when he left. I spent the first few years of my life as a farm boy running errands for my mother. My intellect was overlooked until I was given the opportunity to attend school. I was ahead of the class for many years. I was 14 years of age when I began an apprenticeship for the artist Verrocchio. In that workshop I learned many skills such a painting, sculpting, metalworking and many other forms of art. My master was proficient in the arts, yet not a master. I can vividly remember the day when he told me to assist him in one of his works.
“Leonardo!” My master yelled from the basement of the workshop.
“Yes, master?” I replied after clambering down the stairs.
“Leonardo, I am painting the baptism of Christ, I would like you to collaborate with me.” My master offered me a position to paint a young angel holding Christ's robes. I had two thoughts in my mind, I could either reveal my brilliance and pick up a brush, or not paint. It was one of the biggest questions of my life. Should I help him, or not?