In addition to the location of wall art, the Magdalenians' graphic choices when creating their works underscore whether the images were for public or private viewing.
Among these choices, the size of the works plays an important role: large-scale depictions are visible to all, unlike smaller, more discreet images.
The Magdalenians chose their techniques according to the placement of the works. Painting, through the contrast between the colour and the support, offers greater visibility, as does sculpture and deep engraving through the play of shadows that they create. On the other hand, finely engraved lines – where they are not enhanced with paint – are more difficult to make out.
Deciphering some works is also made difficult by compositions in which images are juxtaposed, superimposed or overloaded with lines, which reduces readability.
