Gesp in de vorm van een vleermuis c. 1908 - 1910

Ferdinand Erhart made this bat-shaped clasp out of silver, but when, I wonder? The silver has a beautiful texture, almost like hammered metal. It makes me think of the way that light catches on surfaces, how a painter might layer strokes to build up a sense of depth. This bat isn't just a flat thing; it feels alive, ready to take flight. Look at the wings, each vein carefully rendered. The way the light pools in the folds and creases gives it a kind of dramatic weight. It's like the artist was thinking about how to capture the essence of a bat, its darkness and mystery, but also its delicate beauty. I'm reminded of the sculptor Alberto Giacometti, who also worked with such careful attention to surface and texture. Art is always about seeing the world in a new way, and this bat clasp is no exception.