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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James Brown; singer, being interviewed after a concert in the Apollo in Harlem where the slogan Black is Beautiful was introduced.

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Maradona

Coluche - Iconic portraits

Stars not die Mcqueen

Basquiat vs Warhol

Liz & Dick

Marilyn monroe

Serge Gainsbourg au Palace

Vanity Fair Magazine Call Me Caitlyn Cover

Frida Kahlo II

M. Reza Pahlavi

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt

George Bernard Shaw

Albert Einstein

Portrait PS 230 Starwoman Queen AC DC - French school oil painting 21th - Basel

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Pride - Jennifer Lopez. Portrait Photograph intervened by the artists.

Tina Turner, 1970, NYC

Major bowie

CC Love

Marilyn Vogue

Marilyn in love

Pop dream

Marilyn sweet love

Papa Francesco #2

Metallica

Homage to Vincent Van Gogh

Rimbaud, Regards, étude n°16

Frida Kahlo in the Blue House, Coyoacán, Mexico.

Michel Simon rue Saint Denis

Atomic Bardot

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Vegas pop art Rolex

Barak Obama (The Truth Behind a Portrait)

Michelle Obama (The Truth Behind a Portrait)

Ali I

Linceul Callas

Linceul Morrison

Malcolm X during his visit to enterprises owned by Black Muslims.

USA. Nevada and California. The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON. 1960 VI

USA. NYC. Marilyn Monroe.

USA. Marilyn Monroe (USA). Actress & singer

USA. Nevada and California.The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON.

USA. Illinois. Bement. US actress Marilyn Monroe during a public appearance.

Marilyn Monroe, USA

USA. Nevada. Reno. Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Misfits by John HUSTON

GB. Shepperton. Film Set Becket, Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton

USA. Nevada. US actress Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Misfits by John HUSTON.

USA. Nevada and California. The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON. 1960 V

USA. New York. American actress Marlene Dietrich.

James Brown; singer, being interviewed after a concert in the Apollo in Harlem where the slogan Black is Beautiful was introduced.

Marilyn MONROE on the set of The Misfits - USA, Nevada, Reno

Sophia Loren with Charles Chaplin - GB. England . Film: Countess from Hong Kong.

USA. Nevada and California. The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON. 1960 III

USA. Nevada and California. The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON. 1960 II

Luxury Art Toffee - LV Leather look

Audrey Offset Red

DeathG597

M chedid

Marianne Faithfull 82

Bowie Aladin

Debbie Harry, Coney Island, NY. August 7, 1977

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Hommage to Fendi

Homage to Godfather / US Maffia

The Essence of Marilyn