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

Chanel n°5, kaws, I love pop art

Flacon Chanel n°5, Marilyn et Betty, vert

Saving Audrey

Flore 200

Paysage 801

Concept #150 v.2

Concept #150

Masque Africain

BIche en automne

Enduring Echoes 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Old Masters

Art Dollar 37

Art Dollar 38

Art Dollar 40

Ouareau Forest

Fisherman Seryoga

Ginkgo biloba - Collection botanique

Le funanbule 2

Green portrait

La bouche ouverte

Pop Eyes

Rollercoaster

The American girl

Silence

Con Leche

Black coffee blues

Untitled 13

Untitled 12

Untitled 11

Untitled 10

Luxury Chanel n°5, Lagerfeld yellow

Jamais deux sans trois… (Album d’enfants)

Kids in Space 3

Summer Etude

Tag

Estate, serie Stagioni

Portriat

Deux sirènes

Rêves d'inde

Concept #160

Concept #159

Concept #158

Concept #157

Behind the mask

Concept #156

Concept #1 v.3

Concept #1

Cosmic Messenger: The Rustic Hermes Bust 1/1

Dreamer

Ritratto di una giovane

Scarabée

Floral Symphony

Love 3D

Psychopomp Hermes

Young philosopher

Bingo!

Mickey Love Chanel Black Ed

Soudain la lumière

Sphynx

Sampati

M. Descending /S

Faces of health: The multi-faceted hygieia decor

Hermes bust

Souffle de vie…

I love my style in Louis Vuitton

Entre frères et soeurs… (Album d’enfants)

Attraverso lo specchio