I wonder why the prehistoric men or women were such good artists

[Beringia]

They seemed to capture the essence and spirit of the animal, with just an outline. Depictions that even Picasso would be envious of. Did they have designated artists?

A wonderful documentary about the Chauvet Cave in southern France, by Werner Herzog.

https://dalzelllance.caminonuevo.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=122262

[gtar100]

1. There are some that even depict animation

Very talented artists.

[Beringia]

2. Interesting

[Demit]

3. Neanderthals couldn't draw but Homo sapiens could. It helped them visualize the hunt.

You might be interested in this article about it...
https://qz.com/1205270/art-made-homo-sapiens-smarter-than-neanderthals-and-better-equipped-to-survive/

[Beringia]

5. Thanks for the article

[applegrove]

4. Read an article that said they may have been done by autistic savants

the details are so great. Back in village times everyone had a role to play.

[happyaccident]

6. I read somewhere that the paintings were done on the bumpy wall and ceilings

When you use a single flame like a candle or lamp it creates a 3-d movement effect. they didn't see it for years because they only used much stronger modern lights that removed the shadows. maybe these animations are part of that.