The Paleolithic Cave Art of France

Dr Jean Clottes assesses the principal geographical regions of Paleolithic rock art in France, based on the cave paintings, the rock engravings & sculptures found in deep caves, shelters & open air.

Analysis of the themes chosen in the Paleolithic art of France, from the predominant animals & geometric signs to human representations & composite creatures, reflecting prehistoric beliefs and rituals.

The techniques utilised in Paleolithic art; paintings of Chauvet, bas-relief sculptures of Cap Blanc, clay modellings of Le Tuc d’Audoubert, finger tracings of Cosquer, & engravings of Les Combarelles.

How the rock art of Paleolithic France is dated, from the archaeological context & stylistic comparison to the direct dating with accelorator mass spectrometry, showing how the art has evolved.

Importance of the archaeological context of human & animal activities and interactions; the placement of cave bear skulls, the footprints of children and the fragments of bones in the walls of the caves.

Attempts by archaeologists and rock art researchers over time to find the meaning - or meanings - of Paleolithic rock art in France; going beyond the 'what?', 'how?' and 'when?' to the 'why?'