What is the period of prehistoric art characterized by the earliest representations of human and animal figures in caves?

Paleolithic

Paleolithic art, dating from about 40,000 to 10,000 BCE, includes some of the oldest known artworks. These works, primarily paintings and engravings in caves across Europe, offer a fascinating glimpse into the earliest expressions of the human creative spirit. The Lascaux Cave in France, discovered in 1940, is an iconic example with its detailed paintings of deer, bulls, and horses, demonstrating a profound understanding of animal form and movement that continues to amaze scientists and art lovers today.