In a departure from our usual content, we invite you to explore a captivating story from John Green’s podcast, “The Anthropocene Reviewed.” This narrative delves into the profound connection between art and humanity, as exemplified by the simple yet powerful hand stencil.
For anyone who has been around children, hand stencils are a familiar sight. Often among the first artistic expressions of young children, these stencils capture the innocence and wonder of early childhood. I vividly recall my son’s amazement when he saw the outline of his hand on paper, a tangible record of his existence. These artworks evoke a bittersweet joy, reminding us of our children’s growth and their gradual journey towards independence.
In September 1940, an 18-year-old mechanic named Marcel Ravidat stumbled upon a remarkable discovery in southwestern France. While walking his dog, Robot, he uncovered a cave adorned with over 900 paintings of animals, including horses, stags, and even extinct species like the woolly rhinoceros. These vivid artworks, created with mineral pigments, were later determined to be at least 17,000 years old.
The cave’s discovery left a profound impact on those who first saw it. Two of the young explorers were so moved that they camped outside the cave for over a year to protect it. When the French government took over its protection after World War II, the cave was opened to the public in 1948. The renowned artist Picasso, upon seeing the paintings, famously remarked, “We have invented nothing.”
The Lascaux cave paintings pose many intriguing questions. Why are there no depictions of reindeer, a primary food source for the cave’s inhabitants? Why did these ancient artists focus more on animals than human forms? Some areas of the cave are densely filled with images, while others are sparsely decorated. Were these paintings spiritual, serving as sacred symbols, or practical guides to survival?
Among the myriad of images are nearly a thousand abstract signs and shapes, along with several “negative hand stencils.” These stencils, created by blowing pigment around a hand pressed against the wall, are found in caves worldwide, from Indonesia to Africa. They serve as a poignant reminder of our shared humanity across millennia.
Hand stencils offer a glimpse into the lives of our ancestors, whose hands were indistinguishable from ours. Despite the harsh realities of their existence, they found time to create art, suggesting that artistic expression is an intrinsic part of being human. The widespread presence of these stencils, even among communities with no contact, speaks to a universal human impulse.
For some, these stencils may have been part of hunting rituals, while others see them as a simple, convenient model. To me, they convey a timeless message: “I was here.” They remind us that we are not new, echoing Alice Walker’s sentiment that “All history is current.”
Today, the Lascaux cave is closed to the public to protect its fragile art from damage caused by human presence. Instead, visitors can explore Lascaux II, a meticulously recreated imitation cave. While it may seem like a quintessentially Anthropocene solution, this effort to preserve ancient art is a testament to our enduring reverence for the past.
The discovery of Lascaux by four teenagers and a dog named Robot, and the subsequent efforts to protect it, reflect a hopeful aspect of human nature. When faced with the potential destruction of this ancient beauty, we chose to preserve it, even if it meant stepping back.
Though we cannot visit the original cave, the hand stencils remain a powerful symbol of our shared history. They are a memory we cannot return to, much like the past they represent.
We hope you enjoyed this exploration of hand stencils and their significance. For more insightful stories, check out John Green’s podcast, “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” where he offers poetic reflections on our world. John and his brother Hank have been instrumental in inspiring and supporting our work at Kurzgesagt, and we are grateful for their friendship and guidance.
Gather some paper, paint, and a brush. Place your hand on the paper and use the brush to paint around it, creating your own hand stencil. Reflect on how this simple act connects you to ancient artists who did the same thousands of years ago.
Take a virtual tour of the Lascaux cave or other famous cave art sites online. Pay attention to the different animals and symbols depicted. Think about what these images might have meant to the people who created them.
Choose a specific aspect of the Lascaux cave paintings or another ancient art form. Research its history and significance, then create a short presentation to share with your class. Consider why these artworks are important to our understanding of human history.
Participate in a class discussion about the role of art in human history. Why do you think people have always created art, even in challenging conditions? How does art help us connect with others across time and space?
Write a short essay reflecting on the statement “I was here” as it relates to hand stencils. Consider what this message means to you personally and how it connects to the broader human experience.
Art – Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, often in a visual form such as painting or sculpture. – Example sentence: The museum had a new exhibit showcasing the art of ancient Egypt.
History – History is the study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Example sentence: In history class, we learned about the Renaissance and its impact on European art.
Stencils – Stencils are thin sheets of material with designs cut out, used to produce the design on the surface below by applying ink or paint through the cut-out holes. – Example sentence: The artist used stencils to create a repeating pattern on the mural.
Cave – A cave is a large underground chamber, typically of natural origin, in a hillside or cliff. – Example sentence: The ancient cave paintings gave us a glimpse into the lives of early humans.
Paintings – Paintings are works of art made using paint on a surface such as canvas, paper, or a wall. – Example sentence: The gallery displayed paintings from the Impressionist period, known for their vibrant colors and light effects.
Humanity – Humanity refers to human beings collectively or the quality of being humane and benevolent. – Example sentence: The sculpture captured the essence of humanity through its depiction of diverse people holding hands.
Discovery – Discovery is the action or process of finding or learning something for the first time. – Example sentence: The discovery of the ancient ruins helped historians understand more about early civilizations.
Ancestors – Ancestors are people from whom one is descended, typically more remote than a grandparent. – Example sentence: Our ancestors left behind artifacts that tell us about their daily lives and cultures.
Symbols – Symbols are marks or characters used as conventional representations of objects, functions, or processes. – Example sentence: The symbols carved into the stone were believed to be part of an ancient language.
Legacy – Legacy is something handed down by a predecessor, such as traditions, achievements, or property. – Example sentence: The artist’s legacy lives on through the beautiful paintings she left behind.
