Art of the Upper Paleolithic

"Paleolithic art" redirects here. For disputed claims of earlier artistic expression, see Art of the Middle Paleolithic.

The art of the Upper Paleolithic represents the oldest form of prehistoric art. Figurative art is present in Europe and Southeast Asia, beginning around 50,000 years ago. European Upper Paleolithic art is known informally as "Ice Age art", in reference to the last glacial period.

Non-figurative cave paintings, consisting of hand stencils and simple geometric shapes, are somewhat older, and possibly as old as 64,000 years. This latter estimate is due to a controversial 2018 study based on uranium-thorium dating, which would imply Neanderthal authorship and qualify as art of the Middle Paleolithic.

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