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Prehistoric Art in Europe: Lascaux and Altamira

Prehistoric art in Europe dates back to the Upper Paleolithic period, spanning from 40,000 to 10,000 years ago and is sometimes known as the Late Stone Age and ending with the Little Ice Age. The Upper Paleolithic coincides with the dawn of high civilization, bringing with it numerous advances in technology and an explosion of art from the Cro-Magnon man throughout the continent. The artwork of prehistoric Europe helps us to understand the daily lives and beliefs of early man. A brand new era of human complexity was born and we began to see evidence of abstract ideas incorporated into the expression of every day life, leaving a surprisingly detailed and accurate account. The Cro-Magnon flourished in the changing world, their ability to adapt ensured the survival of the species. The new lifestyle of Paleolithic man explains why their artwork changed so radically and we begin to see very detailed and realistic cave paintings of animals, abstract shapes and people in vivid color. A majority of the known Paleolithic cave paintings in Europe are found near the Pyrenees Mountain Range between Southern France and Spain. Two of the most notable sites are Lascaux Caves in France and Altamira Caves in Northern Spain both believed to have been used by the Magdalenians.

The caves at Lascaux have been dated back about 17,000 years by the French Government and may have been used by ancient man to perform sacred rites and ceremonies. They were discovered accidentally by four teenage boys in 1940. A majority of the complex system of caves contain beautiful and realistic pictures of large animals, many of which are now extinct. Strangely, there are no reindeer depicted even though we know they were a primary source of food. Most of the animals depicted are horses, stags, bison and cattle. One of the most famous paintings is four large, black bulls located in the appropriately named Hall of the Bulls. One of these bulls, at 17 feet, is currently the largest animal depicted in a cave painting. Even more amazing is that the bulls appear to be in motion demonstrating impressive understanding and skill. The artist draws in three dimensions, paying special attention to the proportion of legs to the body and the placement of figures both in relation to each other and the natural features of the wall. The Lascaux Caves were closed to the public in April of 1963, due to rapid deterioration from visitors. The paintings can be viewed in

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