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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Small

Innertube Vision 3

The bridge 41203

Aiguille du plan, Dent de Requin à Chamonix n°1

Menton (RF01)

Mer de nuages - Paysage celeste

Venezia

My gifts make room for us

Sans titre

Icing 02

Trees

Lifeguard Tower Malibu

Rallumer la forêt

Olivos

Arbres étranges - série 12

Cambodge, Prey Nup, Bantei Prey, jeune fille

Port

Rising

Le croisic

Ville déserte près de la centrale les oiseaux déserte

Tailwind

View of the Forum Romanum

Paysage chinois

Paysages imaginaires (1)

Bodega Bay

The guiding light, Painting, Acrylic on canvas

This Wallpaper is not Avaiable

Champ de l'herbe

Sunset Silhouette

Majorca

Entrelazar 5

Sans-titre

Alium Light

Nothingness (Le Néant)

Over the rainbow, Under the stars

Sans titre I

Utopia

Paysage de campagne avec montagnes et nuages

Fairies Home

Brasier boréal

Neige près de Lacoste

Ovale Mouvement

Le port de Brigneau, Bretagne réf: CPBD1033

Swimming, glemmingebro, Sweden

Plages

'Pre autumn warmth

Untitled 1

Les chemins du silence n°2 - série Paysage et forêt

Petita casa-moll

Rising Moon

La source 2006 Source of life

Maine Nocturne Opus V

#Paysage sauvage #2

L’herbe des Corbières

Summer Watercolor 1

One of Ginkgo III

Masques dansants d'Ensor

La Drôme

Buisson floral

Shining

Departure

Television Antenna

Frozen River

Miami

Common Grounds

Paysage bleu 5

Arboleda