In what era did the earliest known artworks, such as cave paintings, emerge?

The Paleolithic era, often referred to as the Old Stone Age, is recognized as the period when the earliest known artworks emerged, including iconic cave paintings found in locations like Lascaux and Altamira. This era dates back to around 2.5 million years ago until approximately 10,000 BCE when the last Ice Age ended.

Cave paintings from this timeframe typically depict animals, human figures, and symbols, reflecting the lifestyle and beliefs of early humans. These artworks served various functions, such as to convey spiritual beliefs, document hunting practices, or facilitate communication within communities.

The other eras mentioned each have distinct artistic developments that follow the Paleolithic epoch. The Neolithic era, for example, saw the advent of agriculture and the rise of settled communities, leading to different forms of artistic expression, such as pottery and woven textiles. The Mesolithic era served as a transitional phase between the Paleolithic and Neolithic, but it did not produce the earliest known artworks. Lastly, the Bronze Age is characterized by advanced metalworking and more complex societal structures, and while it produced significant art and architecture, it came well after the onset of the earliest known pieces from the Paleolithic era.