| 700,000 BC | The Tan-Tan Figurine | Found in Morocco, this sculpted piece of quartzite may represent the oldest known example of figurative art. Its human-like form is suggested by natural weathering, with artificial enhancements potentially made by primitive hominins. |
| 40,000 BC | Lion Man | Discovered in a German cave, this is the oldest known zoomorphic sculpture, and the oldest known uncontested instance of figurative art. It’s carved from mammoth ivory, standing about 30cm tall. |
| 37,000 BC | Chauvet Cave Paintings | Located in France, these paintings represent some of the earliest known cave art. They feature a variety of animals, human handprints, and abstract symbols. |
| 35,000 BC | Venus of Hohle Fels | This female figurine is the oldest known depiction of the human form. Found in Germany, it’s carved from a mammoth’s tusk. The pronounced depiction of women’s features may suggest fertility symbols. |
| 33,000 BC | El Castillo Cave Paintings | Located in Spain, these paintings include handprints and numerous discs. One red disc has been dated as 40,000 years old, making it potentially the oldest artwork in Europe. |
| 30,000 BC | Venus of Willendorf | Found in Austria, this high-relief statuette likely symbolized fertility. Its emphasis on female sex characteristics and absence of feet suggest a focus on reproduction. |
| 25,000 BC | Lascaux Cave Paintings | Located in France, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art,” these elaborate paintings include recognizable animals and mysterious, abstract shapes. |
| 23,000 BC | Venus of Dolní Věstonice | A ceramic figurine found in the Czech Republic. This is thought to be the oldest known ceramic artwork in the world. |
| 15,000 BC | Altamira Cave Paintings | Based in Spain, these artworks were among the first to be recognized as prehistoric due to their high quality. The ceiling depicts vividly colored animals, primarily bison. |
| 10,000 BC | Göbekli Tepe Totems | Located in Turkey, these carved stone pillars feature various animals. The location serves as a religious sanctuary predating Stonehenge by 6,000 years. |
