Paleolithic artists spent the greater part of 17,000 to 15,000 BCE affixing colored dyes and charcoal to the walls of Lascaux Cave depicting horses, deer, bison, aurochs, birds, and much more, in a display of exceptional artistry. Their depictions are marvelously accurate of the amazing creatures of the times, capturing not only the individual but as well its characteristic nature. What lead these artists into the darkness of this interior space to mount those magnificent images for all time? What inspired them to the task? What was their calling? Who was their muse?

Artists throughout all ages since those cave artists have accomplished similar master works, though all did so on other media. They’ve demonstrated not only artistic skills, but an uncanny grasp of the nature of their subjects, as did our ancient predecessors. How is it there is this similarity, this seeming uniformity of knowledge of one’s subject? What is going on when the artist captures their subject in anticipation of and as a projection into the future? Those cave paintings are as vital and alive today as though painted yesterday.

Artists generally the world over are introverts. Perhaps not all, but most have a deep connection with the inner world. Those early cave artists likely were similarly connected, long in touch with their creative sources within. Would they have known that was how they accomplished their artistry? I suppose they didn’t’ know, didn’t’ have that awareness of such a sophisticated thought and understanding. But we can surmise how they worked and how they achieved their brilliance with dyes, pigments, and charcoal. As introverts and artists, we recognize the skills and identify with the source. We would have a difficult time today conversing with our fellow Paleolithic artist cousins, even with interpreters handy, because the ideas of the inner realm would be so advanced for their developed minds. I would like to think though, they would recognize the work of our contemporary artists for its mastery, and would see a fellow artist.

I would like to think so.