Formal conventions for depictions of figures

Certain stylistic constants can be found in the iconographic repertoire of Font-de-Gaume and in the animation of the figures. The bison, mammoths and other Palaeolithic mammals on the walls of the cavern share a number of formal similarities. Although it would be risky to draw up a chronology based on these features, they do allow comparisons to be made with other decorated caves in the region, such as Combarelles or Rouffignac.

Animation and conventions

Some depictions are animated, sometimes in a subtle way, sometimes to a greater extent. Bison are not generally depicted in an animated fashion, unlike deer and horses, whose heads are lowered and legs folded or set in motion.

Certain graphic conventions may suggest that the pieces of art were created at different times, but it is difficult to establish a precise chronology given the current state of research. The location chosen and the technique used can influence the quality of execution and the way in which the drawings are arranged.

Comparison

The main formal conventions of Font-de-Gaume can be found in other caves in the area or further afield. The distinctive bison share their exaggerated necks and rounded beards with some of the depictions found at Angles-sur-l'Anglin in Vienne. Although they are radically different from the Pyrenean bison, they can nevertheless be compared with certain elements of the Pindal or Covaciella caves in Asturias. Note that these remarkable curves and counter-curves existed in the distant conventions of the Middle Gravettian (Cussac, in Dordogne, at Gargas, in the Hautes-Pyrénées, for example). The horses are very similar to those at nearby Combarelles or Rouffignac. The mammoths are reminiscent of those at Rouffignac and Bernifal, other caves containing similar tectiform symbols. The deer are similar to the Magdalenian engravings seen on the portable art uncovered in Laugerie-Basse or La Madeleine (Vézère valley), or the engravings at Combarelles. In particular, it is the series of marks on the animal's flank, with no reference to the real thing, that make it tempting to compare it with other sites such as La Mouthe (Dordogne), La Madeleine or Le Chaffaud (Vienne). These formal conventions are those of the Middle Magdalenian in Périgord.