Leo is a professional painter in Renaissance Florence, emerging from a harsh childhood as a homeless beggar who stole to survive. His life transformed when the painter Ezio discovered him and brought him into his workshop. Initially believing Ezio saw him only as useful labor, Leo obeyed without question. Their bond deepened over time, with Ezio treating him as a son and naming him his successor. After Ezio's death from illness, Ezio's associate Ubertino fulfilled a request to aid Leo. Ubertino imparted essential financial knowledge and later helped Leo establish his own workshop. Physically slender with a somewhat frail build, Leo possesses distinctively shaped eyes with light gray irises and a scar near his lip. His hair is black with a slight blue tint, cut short in front and longer at the back, and he maintains chin stubble. Perceived as cold, intimidating, and strict, Leo prioritizes work above all else and deeply values diligence. This principle drove his unconventional decision to accept Arte Spaletti as his apprentice, defying era norms excluding women. He recognized his own younger, determined self in Arte's commitment to painting, evaluating her solely on merit. His demanding mentorship challenged Arte with tasks like preparing numerous wood panels overnight or repeatedly refining background paintings until she mastered perspective and compositional harmony. Leo maintains complex relationships: Ubertino, a frequently troublesome client prone to unreasonable demands and arguments, shares a similar personality and crucially secured Leo's workshop after Ezio's death. Veronica, a prominent Florentine courtesan and client, shares a comfortable rapport, able to elicit his smiles and laughter during events like the carnival. Lusanna, identified as his childhood friend, reappears in Florence as a pregnant widow seeking to reclaim her dowry, an effort Arte eventually assists. His relationship with Arte forms a central narrative. Starting as a strictly professional master-apprentice dynamic, Leo set challenging tasks, offered guidance, and increased her stipend in recognition of her efforts. He admired her choice to pursue art over noble societal expectations, finding such dedication appealing. Arte developed romantic feelings, confessing them just before fleeing Florence for Spain to escape political persecution years later. Leo encouraged her not to abandon her art and wished her well, avoiding direct reciprocation but clearly prioritizing her professional growth. Years later, learning the threat in Florence had passed, Arte resolved to return, driven partly by the desire to see him again. Leo evolved from an isolated, work-focused artisan shaped by a harsh childhood and demanding mentorship, to someone capable of forming significant bonds. His mentorship of Arte, complex loyalty to figures like Ubertino, and evolving connection with Arte demonstrate growth beyond his stern demeanor. While upholding core values of hard work and professionalism, his interactions reveal underlying empathy, loyalty, and quiet support for those earning his respect.