The Ambassadors (Holbein) viewer must approach the painting from high on the right side, or low on the left side, to see the form as an accurate rendering of a human skull. While the skull is evidently intended as a "vanitas" or "memento mori", it is unclear why Holbein gave it such prominence in this painting. One possibility is that this painting represents three levels: the heavens (as portrayed by the astrolabe and other objects on the upper shelf), the living world (as evidenced by books and a musical instrument on the lower shelf), and death (signified by the skull). It has also
The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl () It was adapted as an episode of the television series "Ray Bradbury Theater" (January 23, 1988) as "The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl" with Michael Ironside and Robert Vaughn. The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl "The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl" is a short story by Ray Bradbury. It was first published in "Detective Book Magazine" in November 1948 (cover date: Winter) as "Touch and Go". The story was re-titled and published as "The Fruit at the Bottom of the Bowl" in "EQMM" in January 1953. (Cover image: ) Mr. Acton begins the