Scientists have, for the first time, precisely dated paintings within France’s Font-de-Gaume cave. The breakthrough came with the discovery of charcoal within the black pigments used in the artwork, enabling radiocarbon dating. Results indicate a bison was painted around 13,000 years ago, and a mask-like figure received additions over an extended period.
A new analysis has precisely dated paintings in France’s Font-de-Gaume cave for the first time. Researchers discovered charcoal inside black pigments previously believed to contain only minerals. This discovery allowed them to utilize radiocarbon dating techniques to determine the age of the artwork.
The results show that a bison depicted within the cave was painted approximately 13,000 years ago. Interestingly, sections of a mask-like figure were added during several widely separated periods, suggesting ongoing artistic activity and modification over time. The method used provides insight into when these prehistoric artists created their work.
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