Return to Chauvet Cave /anglais

by CLOTTES JEAN

The discovery of the Chauvet Cave in December 1994 was a remarkable event. The incredible age of the paintings, which dated back 35,000 years, and their exceptionally high quality were the source of both astonishment and admiration, and the images of mammoths, rhinoceroses, lions, bears, horses and bison have since been seen around the world.Several years ago, a team of specialists from many different disciplines, led by Jean Clottes, began the first detailed scientific study of the cave. This collaborative project has been extremely fruitful and the cave has slowly revealed many of secrets of its its dating, the traces left by animals and humans, the artistic techniques that were used, and the themes of the paintings and engravings. New light has also been cast on this unique art by art historians and ethnologists.All these discoveries are published together for the first time, accompanied by numerous colour illustrations, allowing the public to share not only this new knowledge but also the thrill and fascination of looking back thousands of years into an ancient world.

Genres: Archaeology, Ancient History, Art

232 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I have to read it for my degree, may as well put it on goodreads. This was good, very comprehensive and basically what I needed it to be. Enjoyed the number of photographs included, which really helped me to get a perspective on Chauvet cave and the placement of the parietal art, and the detail of information was great. I’ll never stop being awed by the eerie snapshot that Palaeolithic caves like Chauvet can give us - it’s like you can reach back in time and touch the lives of the people that made them. The footprints of a young boy they found in Chauvet were so evocative - it’s so strange to think of him making that solo journey deep under ground thousands of years ago. I love how personal cave art is, even if it’s mysterious to frustration.

[Elen Sentier]

Another enthralling book about our amazing ancestors.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkable. The photographs, as all the photographs from this cave tend to, made me catch my breath and weep. The text is pretty scholarly, not all that accessible to the novice, but it doesn't matter. Open the book and fall backwards, breathless and amazed, into your history.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

stunning

[Naina Kaylina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Artist who did this was way ahead of his time! Incredible. I have watched the Documentary at least ten times lol :) :) :)