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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Subcategories

Small

Coi Travertine

Sourire de Banquier

Consonance #04

Consonance #01

White meditation #2 (série méditation)

Variation #5 (série méditation)

Variation #3 (série méditations)

Nature morte jaune et rose aux poires tordues

Je souris...

White meditation #6 (série méditation)

White meditation #1 (série méditation)

Variation #14 (série méditation)

Variation #10 (série méditation)

Variation #9 (série méditation)

Going In Circles

Canopée Kirkenes

Jomon Yakishime

Palm Springs '59 II

Alterite

Pacific Coast Highway Horizon

Arbres - 1794

Hanging On

FORST Shelf S cognac with Nero Marquina

GRUFF Travertin S

Sand clock

Morning

La semeuse de marguerites

L'ange à l'équerre

Nude No. 107

Nude No. 116

Nude No. 114

Nude No. 115

Nude No. 104

Nude No. 102

Nude No. 101

Nude No. 108

Nude No. 109

Nude No. 111

Femme orange

Ligne nu N°1

Blue Touch

Lei ombra di cielo e terra

Lotus

MV. 24-5 - Série Croquis Modèle Vivant

MV. 24-2 - Série Croquis Modèle Vivant

MV. 24-8 - Série Croquis Modèle Vivant

Là-bas

Fusion

MV. 24-10 - Série Croquis Modèle Vivant

MV. 24-1 - Série Croquis Modèle Vivant

MV. 24-6 - Série Croquis Modèle Vivant

Etude de nu

Female Figure in Tangerine

Male Figure in Blue

Petit Bonhomme bleu mat F1

Petit Bonhomme bleu Porsche laqué F1

Family

Le sable chaud

Up

Swept away

La tête en l'air (Head in the Air)

La Légèreté (The Lightness)

Kreuzberg monochrome

Arrangement léger (Light Arrangement) IV

XX150150

An die Hoffnung / To Hope