Cave of Altamira [Anglais] [Relié]

In 1879, the discovery of vividly painted animals and abstract symbols in the Altamira cave in Spain sparked a continuing fascination with and curiosity about Paleolithic creativity. While Altamira has been mentioned in recent books on the subject, e.g., The Shamans of Prehistory: Trance and Magic in the Painted Caves (LJ 2/1/99), this collection of essays updates the information and images documented by excavators Henri Breuil and Hugo Obermaier in their 1935 monograph, The Cave of Altamira at Santillana del Mar, Spain. Since the cave is now restricted to protect the paintings, the detailed photographs by Saura Ramos (photography, Univ. of Madrid) offer an excellent visual experience to armchair visitors. Included are reports on new radiocarbon dates by Federico Bernaldo de Quir?s and P?rez-Seoane's experiences duplicating prehistoric artistic processes. Other Spanish experts give historical overviews and discuss conservation problems. An important acquisition for public and academic libraries.AAnne Marie Lane, American Heritage Ctr., Laramie, WY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

"...fascinating foray into the cave - a temple that remains closed to the public, accessible only on pages such as these."

This splendid volume offers a fresh look at one of the finest surviving works of Paleolithic art: the paintings in the cave of Altamira in northern Spain. Discovered in 1879, these vivid likenesses of horses, cattle, and bison seemed so fresh and "modern" that critics doubted their authenticity, and suspected an elaborate hoax. Only in 1905, with the first scholarly analysis of the works, were they finally accepted as Paleolithic art. Charts, maps, and descriptions guide readers through the cave chamber by chamber, and specially commissioned photographs reveal the paintings in superb detail. The various theories regarding the paintings' significance are clearly explained, along with recent discoveries about the techniques used by Paleolithic artists-and about the people themselves who left their mark on Altamira. 102 illustrations in full color, 22 line drawings, 2 maps, 811/2 x 9" Antonio Beltrn is a respected Spanish expert in Paleolithic art. Pedro A. Saura Ramos is a professor of photography in the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University Complutense of Madrid. He has photographed archaeological excavations for Spain's National Archaeology Museum. Jos Antonio Lasheras Corruchaga, Matilde Mzquiz Prez-Seoane, And Federicoc Bernardo De Quir"S Are all published scholars of Paleolithic art.