Cave painting lascaux

The Lascaux cave paintings in France are among the most important prehistoric art sites, dating back approximately 17,000 years.

About this subject

Located in Montignac, France, the Lascaux caves were discovered in 1940 by four teenagers. The walls feature about 600 figures, mainly animals such as aurochs, horses, and deer, painted with mineral pigments (ochre, charcoal) on limestone. The works are estimated to date from the Upper Paleolithic period, between 17,000 and 20,000 years ago, during the Magdalenian era. Techniques included black outlines and earthy fill colors, using rudimentary brushes and blowpipes made from bones. The exact meaning is debated: shamanic rituals, hunting records, or seasonal calendars. In 1963, the original site was closed to the public due to deterioration from carbon dioxide and fungus. A replica, Lascaux II, opened in 1983 and receives 250,000 visitors annually. The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, also safeguarding neighboring caves like Lascaux III and IV. Digital preservation using 3D scanners ensures continuous study without damaging the original site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Lascaux caves located?

They are in Montignac, southwestern France, in the Vézère valley.

Why was Lascaux closed to the public?

Carbon dioxide buildup and fungus from visitors' breath damaged the paintings, leading to closure in 1963.

How old are the Lascaux paintings?

The paintings are between 17,000 and 20,000 years old, from the Upper Paleolithic period.