The first art ever documented was created more than 30,000 years ago. In Gregory Curtis's new book, "The Cave Painters: Probing the Mysteries of the World's First Artists," he has researched and studied these works and other cave paintings of France and Spain.
The book explores the individuals who rediscovered the paintings, theories about their origins, their splendor and mystery. Curtis reveals the astonishing sophistication and power of the paintings as well as what is known about their creators—Cro-Magnon man.
Curtis will discuss his new book and will hold a book signing at The Community Library in Ketchum on Thursday, July 24, at 6 p.m. The event is free an open to the public.
Curtis will talk about the various theories—that the art was part of fertility or hunting rituals, or used for religious purposes, or was clan mythology—examining the ways interpretations have changed over time.
Curtis is also the author of "Disarmed: The Story of the Venus de Milo." He was the editor of Texas Monthly from 1981 until 2000. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine, Fortune, Time, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. A graduate of Rice University and San Francisco State College, he lives with his wife in Austin, Texas.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com