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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Mount Roraima covered in clouds on the border between Brazil and Guyana. Monte Roraima National Park, State of Roraima, Brazil (S)

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Subcategories

Small

Etrangère Brune

City 13

White Orange Red 7532

7502

Paysage d'hiver

Eliott

The Little Shepherd

El campesino

Aquarelle graphique 1

Aquarelle graphique 5

Romeo and Juliet

Fleurs

Untitled 22

Untitled 7

Where there is life, there is hope II

Genesis, la semance

Dreamers of Dawn

Zirkulationszeit: Die Mütter

Tränen: Hirschschädel

PJ4

Wild Forget Me Not Flora Field

In the Mirror

Cheval noir

Chameau

Vue du Sud

Chrayscler

Basilisk

German forest no.11

Paysage avec un Pont

Glossy Lips

Good Enough

Playful Companionship

Figure

Amazing Sperm Whale (large size)

The Sons of Archon - Plate 8

Sphinx

Dog house

Reveil matin

Joyeuse prairie

Où commence la liberté

Murmures d'été

Petit Rhino

The Tree of Love

Ruby Gloves

Venice at night

Paris, Déambulation 1

Italy, Via di Streda

During the War

PJ8

Untitled

Guardians of Ararat Field

L'homme aux valises

F...k

Ecuador II (S)

Pathway to Light

Black Composition

Composition 2

Boat at Dawn

Portrait

Colored Composition

Mixed Colors Composition

Rooftop Mosaic

The Mountains Kissed By The Sun

Summer

Touch me III

Colors in Bloom