The Cave Painters

I just finished reading a fascinating book entitled The Cave Painters by Gregory Curtis.

It's utterly astounding to think that ancient paleolithic humans created such art of exquisite beauty and movement. I find it amazing that much of this art seems so fresh and alive - even modern.

It's also interesting that these artists - as long as 30,000 years ago - used principles of perspective that more modern humans didn't rediscover until the Middle Ages. Apparently this period of cave painting lasted for about 20,000 years.

These caves are dotted throughout France and Spain. Most of the more famous ones, such as the caves of Lascaux, are closed to the public in order to preserve the paintings for as long as possible.

Since reading this book about the history of the French caves, I've seen a larger photo book by Norbert Aujoulat that highlights Lascaux and its art - a beautiful book.

After the second World War, when Picasso saw some of these ancient cave paintings, he was awed and humbled. He said: "We have learned nothing in twelve thousand years."

You know, I think he's right.