Art Timeline

By jyrzx
  • Upper Paleolithic Art, Venus of Hohle Fels, 35,000 BCE, 6-7.5 cm, mammoth ivory, Prehistoric Museum of Blaubeuren
    35,000 BCE

    Upper Paleolithic Art, Venus of Hohle Fels, 35,000 BCE, 6-7.5 cm, mammoth ivory, Prehistoric Museum of Blaubeuren

    Discovered in Germany, a mammoth ivory carving of a large woman whom they called a Venus. She is headless with a small hook where her head should be, implying she is worn. It was likely worn to portray fertility or perhaps to encourage it.
  • Period: 30,000 BCE to 12,000 BCE

    Paleolithic Art

    The Paleolithic Era lasted from about 3.3 million years BCE to roughly 12,000 BCE. It is one of the earliest of human art that we have from the Old Stone Age. Paleolithic art is mainly recognized by cave paintings, engravings, and small, portable sculptures. Often made from natural materials like stone and pigment. It features abstract symbols, animals, beliefs, and some human figures.
  • Magdalenian culture, Bison Licking Insect Bite, 14,000 BCE, reindeer antler4" x 2.67", National Museum of Prehistory
    14,000 BCE

    Magdalenian culture, Bison Licking Insect Bite, 14,000 BCE, reindeer antler4" x 2.67", National Museum of Prehistory

    This is a small sculpture of a bison licking its side, or some think it is licking an insect bite. It is likely believed to have served as part of a spear-thrower. The actual purpose of the sculpture is unknown, but it is seen as an incredible depiction of the carver's attention to animal behavior.
  • Magdalenian culture, Sorcerer of Trois Freres, 13,000-15,000 BCE, charcoal, 29.5" x 19.69", Les Trois-Frères cave
    13,000 BCE

    Magdalenian culture, Sorcerer of Trois Freres, 13,000-15,000 BCE, charcoal, 29.5" x 19.69", Les Trois-Frères cave

    This is an ancient cave painting of what seems to be a composition of many creatures. This shows us that people during that time had spiritual beliefs, providing us with further insight on possible explanations to their behaviors.