His teacher, Ghirlandaio, was a renowned Florentine painter. While Michelangelo showed promise in his early years, Ghirlandaio reportedly threw away Michelangelo's brushes after seeing his student's work. This is said to have happened because Ghirlandaio felt threatened by Michelangelo's talent and potential.
However, it's important to note that this story is often recounted but its historical accuracy is disputed. While there's no concrete evidence to confirm the story, it has become a popular anecdote about Michelangelo's early career.