reducirati

Reducirati refers to a group of medieval miniature paintings created in the 15th and 16th centuries in the former Republic of Dubrovnik, now part of Croatia. The name "reducirati" literally means "little reductions" or "miniatures" in the Dubrovnik dialect. These small artworks typically depict scenes from the Bible, saints, and the lives of Dubrovnik's nobility.

Characterized by their intricate details and tiny scale, reducirati miniatures were likely created as devotional objects or decorative items. Many reducirati feature intricate gold and silver ornamentation, further emphasizing their status as luxurious objects. The works often appear on single panels, sometimes as pictorial cycles of the Redemption of Man.

The group is not as well-known as some other medieval art movements, partly because many pieces were created anonymously. Only a few artists are known to have worked on reducirati miniatures. The stylistic similarities between individual artworks often lead historians to attribute these works collectively, rather than identifying a specific mastermind behind the creations.

Researchers believe that many reducirati were crafted by skilled monks and artists who worked within the Dubrovnik scriptorium between 1450 and 1550. Historians have suggested that the use of red and gold colors in these miniatures symbolized the precious nature of the objects, making them the ultimate treasures of miniature art. Despite lack of documentation, the value of reducirati lies in their captivating beauty, intricate details, and historical significance.