Rock art has been produced in Europe since the Upper Palaeolithic period through to recent centuries. It is found in all of the major regions of the continent.[1] One of the most famous examples of parietal art is the Grotte Chauvet in France.[2] The cultural purpose of these remnants of the Paleolithic and other periods of prehistoric art is not known. However, some theories suggest that, because these paintings were created in parts of the caves that were not easily accessed, it is unlikely that they were intended simply as decoration.
In the post-Palaeolithic period, during later prehistory, regional variants grew up across the continent, being produced by settled, agricultural communities.
Scholarly interest in European rock art began in the 17th century.[1]
- ^ a b Bradley, Chippindale and Helskog 2001. p. 482.
- ^ Thurman, Judith (23 June 2008). "Letter from southern France: First Impressions: What were the earliest painters thinking?". New Yorker. p. 58ff.