Cave+Paintings


 * Cave Paintings **

Cave paintings are found all throughout Europe, most abundantly in France. These paintings can range from one small picture to a massive entirety of a cave covered with pictures of animals. The idea that ideas and technologies get more sophisticated over time is not something that we are unaware of, so it is not a crazy thing to assume that art would follow in the same manner. But in the case of the caves at Lascaux and Chauvet, these paintings do not fall in line with the theory. They are both equals in terms of sophistication. (Human Origins) So here we address the same question: why paint the wall of these caves? Let us remember that these paintings are not done in the front area of the caves where these people would be dwelling. These paintings are located in the dark depths of the caves, only visibly accessible by use of fire. Not only are they extremely far back from the light of day, but these paintings extend onto every which part of the cave; parts of the cave that scaffolding would be needed in order to reach. There is also evidence of overlapping paintings while the area of the cave next to the painting is completely empty. Whether these were done for visual effects or if the specific location is important is still a mystery. (Exploring Prehistoric Europe: Scarre) One of the speculated reasons for all of these cave paintings was 'hunting magic', where humans painted what they wanted successful hunting with. This theory was developed by Abbe Henri Breuil which was guided by previous research of Australian Aboriginal art. The basic tenant of this theory is that painting these animals would ensure prosperous hunting. But the problem with this theory is that the animals taht are depicted in the paintings are not the animals that are shown to be in the diet of the people of this time. This is taken from evidence of animals bones found in the cave. In David Whitley's book " Cave Paintings & the Human Spirit", he also takes on the theory of 'hunting magic and states that it is entirely wrong. He also discusses the fact that there was no western concept of art at this time so these paintings are **'true masterpieces'**, not only because of the idea 'art for art's sake' but they made these paintings in a place where most people never go. We will never know the true reason behind these paintings, but it is such an mesmerizing idea these prehistoric people were making and had a concept of art. 

Spotted horses and negative hand imprints, wall painting in the cave at Pech-Merle, Lot, Franceca. 22,000 BCE 11' 2" long

Hall of the BullsLascaux, Dordogne, Franceca. 15,000- 13,000

Aurochs, horses, and rhinoceroses, wall paintingChauvet Cave, Vallon-Pontd'Arc, Ardeche, Franceca. 30,000- 28,000

Sources:

Gardner's Art Through the Ages: The Western Perspective v1 (book)

[|Prehistoric Art in Europe](book)

[|Archaeology Magazine: The Recent Troubles at Lascaux] (magazine)

[|Minnesota State University] (journal)

[|About.com] [|Evolution of Prehistoric Cave Art] (article;link to abstract)