Spotted Horses

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

Spotted Horses Cave Paintings at Pech-Merle

During difficult times, it can be easy to question the role our art can play. Artists who are responding directly to current events may feel their sense of purpose more acutely than those of us who are trying to create a little beauty in the midst of tumultuous days. But beauty is our reminder of something greater than the turmoil which may surround us.

Artists, as perennial observers of the universe, have always sought to interpret their own times, difficult or otherwise, and use their talents to find meaning or reach for transcendent beauty. These efforts are their legacy to us all and can become gifts to future generations. We are reminded of the gifts left to us in the beautiful cave paintings at Pech-Merle in southwestern France.

The purpose of the roughly 25,000-year old cave paintings has been questioned for decades. What were the artists trying to convey? Were the horses in the paintings symbolic, perhaps rep…