The site was closed to the public in the 1960s because of concern that humidity and carbon dioxide would damage the paintings, and the caves have suffered repeated bouts of fungus. Today, you can visit a replica next to the site. (Take a tour in this 360 video.)

“Lascaux shows that art, imagination and a feel for magic are basic elements of human nature,” Ms. Lewis wrote. “It is comforting to contemplate in an age of hatred and cruelty as well as of scientific miracles.”

Karen Zraick contributed reporting.

_____

Your Morning Briefing is published weekdays at 6 a.m. Eastern and updated on the web all morning. You can browse through past briefings here.

If photographs appear out of order, please download the updated New York Times app from iTunes or Google Play.

What would you like to see here? Contact us at briefing@nytimes.com.

You can sign up here to get the briefing delivered to your inbox. Check out our full range of free newsletters here.