Lab 3

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Question 1

The subject matter of the paintings is showing a different kind of animals that were frequenting the cage and how close a human being was close to the animals then. The animals represented on the walls were cattle, rhinoceros, panthers, horses, bears, lions, panthers, and reindeer. It clearly shows that these animals frequented the cave. The presence of human hands in the painting represents the humans in this movie. A finger outlining a horse also shows the presence of humans in the cave. 

The depiction of the animals differed from that of humans in that, a full painting of an animal and its actions would be displayed on the portrait. On the other hand, the once for humans that in most instances can be identified by the traces of hands. The reason for difference in humans and animals is that humans would have been fewer in number and could only display themselves through the painting work done. The animals could also dominate because the human was interested in painting the different features of the animals. Animals also surrounded the human present, and being human only humans tend to reason different from other animals.

Question 2

Some of the tools that could have been used in painting include a stick that the human may have used in engraving the walls of the cave. Also, judging by the fingerprints, the human may have used red ochre to do the paintings that he dipped his hands in and drew on the cave wall using his fingers. The artists also used clay for making an impression on the wall around images they have brought to make them look more real like a 3D picture on a wall.

The technique used in determining movements is the use of fingers to trace the outline of the horse. With every action of the finger, hesitation, and speed, deliberation by the animals is shown with the line of clay, making the image of the horse seem alive. The technical aspect of the paintings show that the prehistoric artists were extremely gifted since they mastered the art of drawing without having gone through any art class. It would also be to say that they would be making masterpieces if they could ever get a chance to use paints and brushes. Moreover, the artists’ sophistication directly shows their mastery of drawing from scratch. 

Question 3

Based on how beautiful the drawings were, the animals must have been coexisting with human beings. The animals seem to have been close with the human beings judging by the level of excellent drawings they came up with after their drawings. Besides, the humans during that period seem to have been getting along with the animals. Based on the way he brings out their physical features and expressions from the drawings. 

The meanings behind the paintings were that the animals were struggling for existence. An environment was full of challenges posed by predators around them. Going by the pictures on the cave, there were a lot of big and predatory animals. The herbivores in the group would, therefore, be seeking ways of survival. The horses drawn as running shows they were probably escaping from being harmed by any of the carnivores present then. Some the carnivorous animals are the lions and bears.

In addition, the big rhinoceros horn must have been its means of defense from any attacks it may experience from the carnivores such as lions. A feature like a male lion without a mane answers the question that a male lion in Europe indeed does not have mane in comparison to the African lion that has a mane.