The Ambassadors (Holbein) been hypothesized that the painting is meant to hang in a stairwell, so that persons walking up the stairs and passing the painting on their left would be startled by the appearance of the skull. A further possibility is that Holbein simply wished to show off his ability with the technique in order to secure future commissions. Artists often incorporated skulls as a reminder of mortality. Holbein may have intended the skulls (one as a gray slash and the other as a medallion on Jean de Dinteville's hat) and the crucifix in the upper left corner to encourage contemplation of
Live at the Ambassadors However, it is available on CD from the official Eddie Izzard website, where it is pointed out that this performance will "never be released on DVD". However, it is available on VHS. Izzard despised his look on the show, and was also on low performance rights with the copyright owner, and this DVD will never be released. Fans and critics alike recognise the change in Izzard's comedy over the years; "Live at the Ambassadors" is an example of Izzard's very early and less refined style of stand up. His bizarre sense of humour has remained the same throughout performances, and