1. Prehistoric Art (c. 70,000 BCE – 2,000 BCE)

Origins of Artistic Expression: Some of the earliest known art is found in Blombos Cave in South Africa, dating back roughly 70,000 years, where engraved ochre stones were discoveredCave Paintings**: Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, these include notable sites like Lascaux in France and Altamira in Spain (c. 30,000-15,000 BCE). Such images often depict animals and human handprints, possibly used for spiritual or ritual purposes  .

• 28,000-25,000 BCE)**: These small sculptures, such as the “Venus of Willendorf,” represent one of the earliest forms of figurative art, often emphasizing fertility