How did Holbein paint the skull?

Hans Holbein the Younger painted the skull in his famous work "The Ambassadors" using a technique called anamorphosis, which creates a distorted image that appears normal only from a specific angle. The skull, depicted at the bottom of the painting, serves as a reminder of mortality and the transience of life, juxtaposed with the wealth and knowledge represented by the two ambassadors. Holbein’s meticulous attention to detail and use of light and shadow enhance the realism of the skull, making it a striking focal point within the composition.