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

Mon little paradise edition

Cycle Ancient Seas "Ritual"

9h22 au Cap Coz

Roche nue

Atoll au sud

On Rhodes

Castle. Khust

Ostriky

La cerisiers en fleur

Automne 29

Paysages abstraits 6

Paysages abstraits 8

Paysages abstraits 7

Printemps 18

Printemps 9

Printemps 8

Printemps 12

Printemps 10

Printemps 6

Automne 6

Automne (2)

Printemps II

Printemps II

Paysage 4

Paysage 8

Paysage II

Paysage III

Paysage 14

Paysage I

View of a Harbor on a Swiss Lake

Blue lagoon

Eruption

Sunset

Beginnings

Threat

Tampesta

Blue

Cosmic Stories 2

It's all a blur, oil on canvas

Sunrise in the garden

Untitled 82

Marseille

Teddy Stauffer In Acapulco

Vermont Winter

Lech Ice Bar

Lech ice bar

Kasimir Korybut

Shadowfax

The Woods No.119

September Study No. 2

Plant Study No. 64

Field

Tree Study No. 40

Dahlia No. 1

Plant Study No. 100

Plant Study No. 96

Plant Study No. 93

Plant Study No. 89

Plant Study No. 88

Plant Study No. 87

Plant Study No. 86

Plant Study No. 85

Plant Study No. 82

Plant Study No. 80

Plant Study No. 79

Plant Study No. 76