Prehistoric Cave Artworks in Southern France and Beyond with Dr. Guillaume Durand

Prehistoric Cave Artworks in Southern France and Beyond with Dr. Guillaume Durand

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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The art on the walls of prehistoric caves in the Southeast of France has just as much subtext and cultural significance to unravel as the art on the walls in the Louvre Museum. And historians through the ages have found those “rudimentary” works even more fascinating to read between the lines of. Who painted them? For what purposes was it created? What does this art tell us about this human species both so close and so far from us? 
Our interactive conversation will provide a unique opportunity to contextualize the multiple interpretations of these paintings and engravings – and link together the newly unearthed scholarship enshrouding these paintings’ creative origins. 
After a brief presentation of Paleolithic cave art, we will focus on some examples that challenge our schemas of understanding and show a greater complexity to human thought at that time. We will particularly focus on the paintings and engravings made in the caves in South France – Chauvet, Lascaux, Cosquer, Rouffignac, and les Trois-Frères.
We will conclude by taking a step back, geographically, to explore several painted caves in Africa and Southeast Asia. We will also question whether the creation of this art was achieved by homo sapiens or another early species. 
Led by Guillaume Durand, Ph.D., this conversation will provide an in-depth exploration of parietal art, mainly in Southeast France. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge and understanding of what is considered the very first artistic testimony of mankind.

Passionate about the regions and countries at the crossroad of civilizations, Guillaume Durand Ph.D. has long standing expertise in Ancient art and archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean Basin. Assistant dean and professor in archaeology and art history at the Institute for American Universities and the American College of the Mediterranean in Aix-en-Provence, France, Guillaume has traveled many times in Iran during these six past years in order to study the Persian Empires. He is also a tourist guide / lecturer in this country for French citizens.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
93%
(27)
7%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
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S
S.T. (New York, US)
Fascinating trip back in time

It's fun to be guided into the caves by someone with so much knowledge and enthusiasm. Thanks to Guillaume's presentation I got a deeper understanding of the art itself, along with the vast span of prehistory and the varying ways we try to understand it.

V
V.M.S. (Queens, US)
Prehistoric Cave Artworks

I so appreciated the lecture by Dr. Durand. I learned so very much from him and also thought his presentation was filled with enthusiasm and most interesting. I should have heard this lecture before going to visit these caves that I loved. I also appreciated Dr Durand's emphasis on the creative part of the artwork.

J
J.K. (Washington, US)
A Detailed View of Cave Paintings

Dr. Durand takes you on a world-wide tour of more caves and their paintings than you knew existed. He analyzes a large number of paintings and discusses the various theories of why they were painted. Going back 40,000 years in time is a fascinating experience.

L
L.M. (Atlantic Highlands, US)
Excellent Prehistoric Cave Artworks Seminar

Dr. Durand's talk was most informative. He shared some beautiful photos of cave paintings and his enthusiasm was contagious.

P
Priscilla (Richmond, CA)
Great visuals and interesting lecture

I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture. Dr. Durand was well prepared, had magnificent visuals and gave a fascinating lecture.

123

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
93%
(27)
7%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
S.T. (New York, US)
Fascinating trip back in time

It's fun to be guided into the caves by someone with so much knowledge and enthusiasm. Thanks to Guillaume's presentation I got a deeper understanding of the art itself, along with the vast span of prehistory and the varying ways we try to understand it.

V
V.M.S. (Queens, US)
Prehistoric Cave Artworks

I so appreciated the lecture by Dr. Durand. I learned so very much from him and also thought his presentation was filled with enthusiasm and most interesting. I should have heard this lecture before going to visit these caves that I loved. I also appreciated Dr Durand's emphasis on the creative part of the artwork.

J
J.K. (Washington, US)
A Detailed View of Cave Paintings

Dr. Durand takes you on a world-wide tour of more caves and their paintings than you knew existed. He analyzes a large number of paintings and discusses the various theories of why they were painted. Going back 40,000 years in time is a fascinating experience.

L
L.M. (Atlantic Highlands, US)
Excellent Prehistoric Cave Artworks Seminar

Dr. Durand's talk was most informative. He shared some beautiful photos of cave paintings and his enthusiasm was contagious.

P
Priscilla (Richmond, CA)
Great visuals and interesting lecture

I thoroughly enjoyed this lecture. Dr. Durand was well prepared, had magnificent visuals and gave a fascinating lecture.

123