Jean-Michel Geneste to deliver lecture on paleolithic art of Chauvet Cave

Jayme Blaschke, Director of Media Relations | February 20, 2020

geneste headshot
Jean-Michel Geneste

Jean-Michel Geneste, general curator of cultural heritage for the Ministry of Culture in France, will deliver a lecture on the paleolithic art of Chauvet Cave on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Texas State University. 

The lecture, “Sapiens Think in Images,” will be 7-8:30 p.m. in the Alkek Teaching Theater and feature a screening of the short film, “The Final Passage.” The event is free and open to the public. 

The stunning ancient art of Chauvet Cave has captured imaginations around the world since its discovery in 1994. Like paleolithic rock art across Europe and Asia, the extraordinary imagery so skillfully rendered more than 30,000 years ago invites viewers to a sense of wonder and a deeper connection to the ancient beginnings of humans—to people who lived, loved and survived creatively. 

Now, after 20 years of scientific research, the paintings are revealing their secrets. Geneste will share his discoveries on the ways these ancient artists viewed their world, the principles that governed their artistic composition and the reasons they gave time, resources, heart and mind to communicate through art.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Erhart, Department of Anthropology, at (512) 245-8272. 

paintings on cave walls
(Photo by J. Clottes, Ministere de la Culture et de la Communication)

About Texas State University

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is among the largest universities in Texas with an enrollment of 38,694 students on campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Texas State’s 192,000-plus alumni are a powerful force in serving the economic workforce needs of Texas and throughout the world.

For more information, contact University Communications:

Jayme Blaschke, 512-245-2555

Sandy Pantlik, 512-245-2922