Altamira Cave Paintings
ArtistUnknown (Paleolithic)
Year14,000-18,000 BC
MediumPigment on cave ceiling
LocationAltamira, Spain
About Altamira Cave Paintings
Called the Sistine Chapel of Paleolithic Art. Discovered in 1868, initially dismissed as a hoax. Feature bison, horses, and deer painted on the ceiling. Used charcoal and ochre pigments. The artists used the rock contours for 3D effects. Closed to the public since 2002, a replica is available.