Oldest Oil Paintings Found in Caves

[sandance2]

Murals found on cave walls in Afghanistan prove that painting with oil had been going on in Asia for centuries before artists used the technique in Europe. Until now, art historians believed that oil painting started in Europe in the 15th century. Scientists found the murals in a network of caves where monks lived and prayed in the Afghan region of Bamiyan,where the ancient paintings were ****yzed. Inside the caves, scientists found murals painted in the 7th century. They show images of Buddha in vermilion robes sitting cross-legged amid palm leaves and mythical creatures. In 12 of 50 caves, the murals were painted using drying oils -- perhaps from walnuts and poppy seeds. This is the earliest clear example of oil paintings in the world.

[wackychick]

fascinating!