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
The Ambassadors of Death 2012. Among the special features on the DVD is a documentary entitled "Mars Probe 7: Making The Ambassadors of Death." Although David Whitaker is the sole credited writer on the actual episodes, the DVD sleeve credits "The Ambassadors of Death" as being written by David Whitaker, Malcolm Hulke, and Trevor Ray. The original soundtrack for this serial was released on CD in the UK in August 2009. The linking narration was provided by Caroline John. The Ambassadors of Death The Ambassadors of Death is the third serial of the seventh season of the British science fiction television series "Doctor Who",