Anamorphosis before 1583. "The Ambassadors" (c. 1533) by Hans Holbein the Younger is well known for the prominent oblique anamorphic transformation in the painting. In this artwork, a distorted shape lies diagonally across the bottom of the frame. Viewing this from an acute angle transforms it into the plastic image of a human skull. The painting is regarded as a "vanitas" - a meditation on the transience of life - with the skull a symbolic "memento mori". The altered perspective required to see the image reflects the contemporary practice of painting skulls on the reverse of otherwise tranquil paintings. Four centuries
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