A contribution of on-site spectroradiometric analysis to the study of prehistoric cave art: the case of Points cave (Aiguèze, Gard, France)

Abstract : This article addresses the in situ colorimetric study of the Palaeolithic rock art of Points cave (Aiguèze, Gard, France). The vast majority of the coloring matter used for the drawing is red. A non-destructive radiometric measurement campaign was carried out in the cave during the last two years. Our aim was to obtain objective quantified color information in order to complete the already existing archeological analysis and interpretation about the spatial organization of the rock art. Analyzes carried out on the spectral measurements in the range of visible light aimed to question the color criteria allowing to compare different rock paintings and drawings, taking into account their proper surface's states (particularly the various state of covering of the rock support by the coloring matter applied by the Palaeolithic artists and the possible presence of calcite)?