Apport de l'analyse colorimétrique à propos de la caractérisation in situ des peintures préhistoriques dans une démarche conservatoire : cas de la grotte Chauvet (Ardèche, France)Contribution of in situ colorimetric determination for the characterisation of the prehistorical paintings before the elaboration of a conservation process: the case of the Chauvet cave (Ardèche, France).

In situ colorimetric determination is a useful quantitative and non-destructive contribution for the characterisation of organic and mineral pigments. It is in accordance with regard to the administrative instructions, which privilege the maximal conservation to secure the integrity of art discovered recently in this extraordinary prehistorical sanctuary. This determination connected with technical statements of archaeologists, help us to understand that many red hand paintings drawn with the palm of the right hand of a man and of a woman or adolescent, were made from one unique paint pot and the mode of retouch of black charcoal drawings.