Ducams

Ducams is a term used to describe the oil-portrait miniatures of Juan Correa de Vivar, a Spanish painter who flourished in the mid-15th century. The name is a contraction of the phrase "ducados," the Spanish currency during this time period, and "camisetas," referring to the small size of the miniatures, which were painted on tiny pieces of cloth.

The ducams are small, highly detailed oil paintings that typically depict royal and noble patrons of Correa de Vivar. Each portrait measures between 2 and 4 inches across and showcases the subject's likeness with great accuracy. The miniatures are mounted on a small piece of cloth or vellum and are often framed for preservation.

Correa de Vivar's ducams are regarded as some of the most important and influential works of the Early Netherlandish period. They demonstrate the artist's skill in capturing the subtleties of human expression and highlighting the subjects' attire and accessories. The subject matter of the ducams is predominantly noble and aristocratic individuals of the time, with the portraits often showcasing the owner's wealth and status.

Many ducams are now housed in museums around the world, including the Prado Museum in Madrid and the National Gallery in London. The paintings offer valuable insights into the lives and customs of 15th-century European nobility and the artistic conventions of the time.