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The Venus of Laussel
The Venus of Laussel, carved between 20,000 and 18,000 years ago, is a rare example of a pre-historic bas-relief. Her faceless, voluptuous figure is characteristic of the Venus figurines produced throughout Ice Age Europe. Many scholars believe that these female figures were used in fertility rituals or as representations of goddesses of fertility. In the case of the Venus of Laussel, they believe the thirteen lines carved into the upturned horn that she is holding may be associated with lunar and menstrual cycles. Her other hand rests upon her belly, over her womb, and her image was once tinted with red ochre, two other aspects of this piece that suggest fertility symbolism. The Venus of Laussel is now part of the collection of the Bordeaux Museum in France.
Questions & Answers
What is the Paleolithic art period?
- The Upper Paleolithic (Late Stone Age, c. 50,000 to c. 12,000 years ago) is the period in human prehistory when we see the emergence of art. Upper Paleolithic art is usually divided into two categories: rock/cave art and portable art such as animal and anthropomorphic figurines.
Did any paintings survive from the Paleolithic period?
- Yes, there are surviving cave paintings from the Paleolithic period. The most famous ones include Altamira Cave in Spain, and Lascaux Cave and Chauvet Cave in France.
