Upper Palaeolithic rock engravings at Gouy (France)

The art of Gouy, near Rouen, is of great interest, as much for its remoteness from other comparable sites where palaeolithic art is known, as for the nature of the engravings themselves. The art has a threefold aspect: figurative, esoteric and symbolic. The Gouy bestiary includes oxen, horses, deer and a bird of prey. As well as these recognizable representations, there are other overlying engravings comprising silhouettes of remarkable artistic competence. Finally, at Gouy as elsewhere, the figurative art of the animal engravings is accompanied by engraved signs and symbols. In their individual character, their variations on a limited number of fundamental themes, and their obvious associations, these abstract engravings combine to represent a very competent art of their own, adding greatly to the interest of the cave

Archaeology · Art · Art history · Bestiary · Cave · Character (mathematics · Geography · Linguistics · Literal and figurative language · Painting · Rock art · Philosophy