This book offers a unique introduction to the earliest known expressions of human creativity. With an unparalleled selection of images, including spectacular works such as the horses of Lascaux and the bison of Altamira as well as key examples from less wellknown sites, this comprehensive, accessible guide to prehistoric art explores the origins of human artistic endeavour. The discovery of prehistoric decorated caves in Europe transformed the way we think about the development of art, and the awe-inspiring paintings, dramatic engravings and small, delicate sculptures of animals and humans found in these caves still hold a unique power and fascination today.

INTRODUCTION

35000-22000 YEARS AGO

THE AGE OF CHAUVET

THE CHAUVET CAVE

AtJRIGNACIAN ART

GRAVETTIAN ART

22000-17000 YEARS AGO

THE AGE OF LASCAUX

THF LASCAUX CAVF

SOLUTREAN ART

17000-11000 YEARS AGO

THE END OF THE ICE AGE

THE NIAUX CAVE

MAGDALENIAN ART

FROM 11000 YEARS AGO

AFTER THE ICE AGE

CHRONOLOGY

GLOSSARY OF CULTURES,THRMS AND TECHNIQUES

PREHISTORIC SITES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

MAPS AND PLANS

SELECT BIBLOGRAPHY INDEX ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS