Rock Art Research

This paper investigates the status of rock art in art historical discourse, analysing how rock art has been used in chronological narratives of both European and Australian art. Touching on the fascination with Lascaux as art’s origin and equivalent examples in Australia, this paper gives an overview of some key thinkers, publications and characteristics of the discipline of art history. While suggesting some similarities with archaeology and exploring the past absence of rock art in art histories, this paper ultimately asks what art history brings to the study of rock art and what rock art brings to art history in return.