Cave painting lascaux

The Lascaux cave paintings in France, dating back approximately 17,000 years, are among the world's most significant examples of Paleolithic art.

About this subject

Discovered in 1940 by four teenagers in the Dordogne region of southwestern France, the Lascaux caves house over 600 parietal paintings, mainly of animals such as bison, horses, deer, and aurochs. The images were created using mineral pigments like ochre and charcoal, applied with rudimentary brushes, blown through hollow bones, or even with fingers. The anatomical accuracy and use of twisted perspective (depicting frontal horns in lateral profiles) continue to astonish archaeologists today.

The site was opened to the public in 1948, but the heavy visitor flow (up to 1,200 people per day) altered the internal microclimate, causing fungal and algal growth. In 1963, the original cave was closed to visitors. An exact replica called Lascaux II was built nearby and opened in 1983, attracting about 300,000 visitors annually. In 2020, the International Centre for Cave Art Lascaux IV opened as an interactive museum.

The Lascaux paintings are considered a testament to the symbolic and cognitive complexity of Upper Paleolithic humans. Recent studies suggest the works may have been created in different phases, with some scenes possibly representing constellations or hunting rituals. UNESCO declared them a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old are the Lascaux paintings?

The paintings date back to approximately 17,000 to 15,000 BCE, during the Magdalenian period of the Upper Paleolithic.

Why is the original Lascaux cave closed to the public?

It was closed in 1963 due to fungal and algal growth caused by carbon dioxide and heat from visitors. Replicas like Lascaux II and IV have been created for preservation and visitation.

What are the main animals depicted in the Lascaux paintings?

The paintings include horses, bison, deer, aurochs, ibex, and some felines. There is also a rare stylized human figure.