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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Petits rêveurs - Jeux d'enfants
Nacks
Painting - 40 x 40 x 3.5 cm Painting - 15.7 x 15.7 x 1.4 inch
$714
Vive les fleurs multicolores et cool
Seb Paul Michel
Fine Art Drawings - 40 x 30 x 0.3 cm Fine Art Drawings - 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.1 inch
$202
It’s not all about money
Air1duc
Painting - 20.3 x 30.5 x 0.3 cm Painting - 8 x 12 x 0.1 inch
$1,191
Vive les fleurs et les collages sur bear
Seb Paul Michel
Sculpture - 30 x 10 x 12 cm Sculpture - 11.8 x 3.9 x 4.7 inch
$238
Shoot the bank (Mini série Bitcoin last meetup 2021)
JP Malot
Print - 40 x 30 x 1 cm Print - 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch
$131
Adrian's dreams 2
Clément Herrmann
Painting - 20.3 x 30.5 x 0.3 cm Painting - 8 x 12 x 0.1 inch
$536
Shadows of the Past / Guardians of the Future
Brett Crawford
Painting - 40.6 x 29.2 x 2 cm Painting - 16 x 11.5 x 0.8 inch
$50,000
Abstract Style 1
Bows
Fine Art Drawings - 42 x 29.7 x 1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 16.5 x 11.7 x 0.4 inch
$179
Orsay Oner x Cheeche Wizzrad
JP Malot
Fine Art Drawings - 30 x 40 x 1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 11.8 x 15.7 x 0.4 inch
$238
Stalingrad c'était mieux avant!
JP Malot
Fine Art Drawings - 40 x 30 cm Fine Art Drawings - 15.7 x 11.8 inch
$238
Au bar du marais. Süpa Pow!
JP Malot
Fine Art Drawings - 21 x 29 x 1 cm Fine Art Drawings - 8.3 x 11.4 x 0.4 inch
$250
I Wish I Was A Meme
James Jarvis
Fine Art Drawings - 30.5 x 21 x 2 cm Fine Art Drawings - 12 x 8.3 x 0.8 inch
$2,500
Easy Money - In the Wood Planks
Nacks
Painting - 30 x 40 x 4.5 cm Painting - 11.8 x 15.7 x 1.8 inch
$952
Love is Rich
M. Koeur
Fine Art Drawings - 20.3 x 30.5 x 0.3 cm Fine Art Drawings - 8 x 12 x 0.1 inch
$536
Vive les fleurs et les chats en voiture
Seb Paul Michel
Painting - 30 x 30 x 2 cm Painting - 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.8 inch
$417
Vive les fleurs et les ballons
Seb Paul Michel
Painting - 27 x 22 x 2 cm Painting - 10.6 x 8.7 x 0.8 inch
$417
Vive les fleurs (1)
Seb Paul Michel
Painting - 30 x 30 x 2 cm Painting - 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.8 inch
$476
Big Bear Brick, Pink Design
Raffaele Ardor
Sculpture - 30 x 14 x 8 cm Sculpture - 11.8 x 5.5 x 3.1 inch
$464
Love Cures
M. Koeur
Fine Art Drawings - 20.3 x 30.5 x 0.3 cm Fine Art Drawings - 8 x 12 x 0.1 inch
$1,429
Vive les fleurs et les fleurs
Seb Paul Michel
Painting - 30 x 40 x 2 cm Painting - 11.8 x 15.7 x 0.8 inch
$560
Shoot the bank Handfinished 2022
JP Malot
Painting - 40 x 30 x 1 cm Painting - 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch
$476
Vive les fleurs et cool
Seb Paul Michel
Fine Art Drawings - 40 x 30 x 0.3 cm Fine Art Drawings - 15.7 x 11.8 x 0.1 inch
$202