Types of Early Art
Paleolithic art can be
classified as either figurative (depicting animals or humans) or nonfigurative
(taking the form of signs and symbols)
Figurative Art Nonfigurative Art
(Venus with Horn at Lassel) (Handprints at Gargas)
The most commonly depicted animal species in Paleolithic art
vary according to period and region.
Cave art most often portrays horses and bison, although mammoth or deer
dominate at particular sites. Fish and
birds are occasionally found in cave paintings or engravings, but are far more
plentiful in portable art.
Representations of insects and plants have been found in a few portable
objects. Human images are rare in cave
paintings but more frequent in portable art.
Small female statuettes known as Venus figures, with exaggerated
breasts, abdomen, and hips, have been found principally in central Europe. Signs and symbols are far more abundant in
cave art than depictions of humans or animals.
Markings range from a single dot or line to a large panel of complexly
grouped linear marks. In some cases
these signs are totally isolated in a cave, but in other cases they appear
alongside figurative images. The
simpler symbolic motifs, including handprints outlined in colored earth, are
abundant and widespread.
Three Main Types of Art in the Upper
Paleolithic:
Body Art – personal adornment (pendants, necklaces, headbands, etc.), tattooing, scarification, skull deformation, and teeth removal.
(ivory pendant, Dolni Vestonice)
Portable Art – ivory beads, carvings, figurines, and other
shaped or decorated pieces that can be moved from place to place. Portable art is found throughout
Europe.
(Willendorf Venus)
Parietal Art – rock art, finger marks on cave walls, engravings,
petroglyphs, prints, and stencils. The
best-preserved examples of cave art are deep inside caves of France and Spain.
(Lascaux,
France)