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Small

Recent trends in contemporary art have meant that we've grown accustomed to large scale pieces, be that huge canvases, enormous sculptures, or giant installations.

However, the miniature has always been an important part of contemporary art. Be it paintings, sculpture, or photography as well as small format drawings, the reduced dimensions of the artwork puts new constraints on the artist, forcing them to develop their techniques and artistic finesse.


Jeff Wall, an American photographer known for his large scale photographic prints on huge illuminated boxes, has said that “the scale of a piece is not about the dimensions of it, but about the internal tensions within the composition".


Believe it or not, miniature pieces have many advantages. Smaller formats allow the artists to show off a different range of talents and techniques, and sometimes even create the impression of a much higher quality piece – such as engravings or prints. Creating a miniature is a sure sign of precision and skill.

They are also more practical to exhibit than the enormous artworks: we've all got a little space on a shelf ready to welcome a miniature sculpture, photo or drawing.


Another very practical aspect of miniatures is the myriad possibilities for display: you could put together a full shelf of statuettes, or even a dedicated framing wall – which is an increasingly popular method for display, and makes for the perfect decorative addition to a living room or bedroom. It's a mixed composition made up of an array of pieces – you guessed it – all on the same wall. The diminutive size of the miniatures also makes it easier to make sure your favourite pieces are displayed in pride of place.

Even artists who are known for their monumental works are slowly getting into miniatures, like Jeff Wall in his exhibition at the Cartier Foundation.


The miniature is making a big name for itself as a growing trend across the contemporary art world; from Gaspard Mitz, who creates tiny versions of the interiors of famous art galleries in his 'Box Stories', to the photography of Samsofy, who recreates scenes from daily life with miniscule Lego 'actors'.  


Last but not least, the small scale of the pieces means that even big names come with small price tags, meaning that miniatures make excellent presents. So, go on, what are you waiting for? Browse our selection of miniature works now…

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Photography, Jagger 1965, John Rowlands

Jagger 1965

John Rowlands

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 5.1 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 2 inch

€1,229

Photography, Brian Jones, John Rowlands

Brian Jones

John Rowlands

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 5.1 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 2 inch

€1,229

Photography, Leonard Cohen, John Rowlands

Leonard Cohen

John Rowlands

Photography - 40.6 x 50.8 x 5.1 cm Photography - 16 x 20 x 2 inch

€1,229

Photography, Egg Study 7, Shine Huang

Egg Study 7

Shine Huang

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€2,184

Photography, Egg Study 6, Shine Huang

Egg Study 6

Shine Huang

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€2,184

Photography, Rebirth III, Shine Huang

Rebirth III

Shine Huang

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€1,638

Photography, Rebirth II, Shine Huang

Rebirth II

Shine Huang

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€1,638

Photography, Rebirth I, Shine Huang

Rebirth I

Shine Huang

Photography - 50.8 x 40.6 x 0.3 cm Photography - 20 x 16 x 0.1 inch

€1,638

Photography, Time Out, John Migicovsky

Time Out

John Migicovsky

Photography - 40.6 x 50.8 x 1.3 cm Photography - 16 x 20 x 0.5 inch

€1,047

Photography, Well Heeled, Arthur Steel

Well Heeled

Arthur Steel

Photography - 33 x 41 x 0.01 cm Photography - 13 x 16.1 x 0 inch

€895

Fine Art Drawings, Bubble face I, Nef

Bubble face I

Nef

Fine Art Drawings - 30.5 x 22.9 x 0.1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 12 x 9 x 0 inch

€100

Photography, Hamah, Michel Eisenlohr

Hamah

Michel Eisenlohr

Photography - 30 x 15 cm Photography - 11.8 x 5.9 inch

€1,100

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