A&O READING – EVOLUTION of ART and SYMBOLISM – Balter 2009

On the Origin of Art and Symbolism
 
LIBRARY, LONDON (SUPERSTOCK)

A roaring start.

Researchers agree that Chauvet Cave’s magnificent paintings, including these lions, are full-blown art.

CREDIT: FRENCH MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND COMMUNICATION/DRAC RHONE-ALPES/DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Symbolic start.

Some scientists argue that this 77,000-year-old engraved ochre shows symbolic capacity.

CREDIT: CHRIS HENSHILWOOD AND FRANCESCO D’ERRICO

Eye of the beholder.

Archaeologists debate whether this modified stone was meant to represent a woman.

CREDIT: FRANCESCO D’ERRICO AND APRIL NOWELL