It’s possible that bats may have scared you at some point. They are an image that we usually associate with fear. If that’s true, then did you ever wonder why bats were such a popular image in the Art Nouveau period?
Why would Lalique made a ring with a bat wrapped around someone’s finger?
Or why would Mayle and Mayer make a silver and enamel pin with a bat staring you in the face in 1900 Germany?
To answer that question, you need to look to symbolism. But before we do, let me ask you…
Would you want to wear a silver belt buckle with a prominent bat displayed front and center?
…or a gold ring with an image of a bat’s head holding a diamond in it’s jaws?
You might if you knew that bats represent change.*
Bats migrate hundreds to thousands of miles each year. In that way, they are in a constant state of change, making them an ideal choice to represent the concept of such a dynamic idea.
Considering that the Art Nouveau period itself was an era of changing thought, it may explain why bats figured so abundantly in the symbolism of the period. (For more on the Art Nouveau Thought, please click here)
If you find yourself in a stage of your life where you are experiencing great change, you may want to adopt a new mascot!
Incidentally, bats are considered good luck in China.* You may find that the image brings you luck in a time of change.
At the very least, the next time you see a beautiful Plique a Jour bat in some Art Nouveau jewelry, you’ll know why :)
* Lecture on the Symbolism of Jewelry by Diane Nelson, GG and Jewelry Appraiser, DC GIA Alumni meeting, Aug 21, 2013