Butterfly Reliquary (Artistic Representation)
Image: User:Mateus2019 (Public domain)
Common NameButterfly Reliquary (Artistic Representation)
Scientific NameN/A (not a biological organism)
FamilyN/A
SubfamilyN/A
Primary Colorsgold, blue, green, purple, red
HabitatN/A (artifact, found in a Gothic wooden crucifix)
Geographic RangeN/A (artifact, created by a Parisian or Prague artist, found in Regensburg)
Flight PeriodN/A
Lifecycle NotesN/A (not a biological organism)
Identification TipsThis is an artistic artifact, not a living butterfly. It can be identified by its material (gilded silver, enamel, pearls), its age (14th century), and its function as a reliquary.
Description
This is a life-sized butterfly-shaped reliquary made of fire-gilded silver with colorful enamel wings and incorporated pearls, dating from the 1310s. It was discovered in 1991 hidden within a Gothic wooden crucifix.
