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

Verdolini il Celebre Masseur

Globe

Figure (brown)

In the water No 1

Japanese style brunch

Circus

La frange noire

Ephélis

Torero

Focus of attention

Breath of spring

Untitled

Chauchita

Rising Moon

Sans titre XXIV

Uma

Etude

LOVE POWER

Piano Bar

Fossile

Series The Image Of Mountain No.1

Cubos Transparencia 2 (Framed)

Broken princess

Ink #8

Portrait d'homme

Sans titre (192)

Clouds over the Tay Rail Bridge

Orografia 8

Carter

The Self 16

Sans Titre

Maine Nocturne Opus V

El grupo (Colección La Bolsa Mágica)

África tribal VII

Port de Barcelona

Readers series - Philosophy of money

Le merle

Creu IX

The Chair, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas

Sin título

Sans titre

Untitled

The Doodler 2

Timeless 3

Black Sea Beach

06 - 16 - 1961 - Lobby Cards Series - Red

Le bal des anges

Oris 4 (série de 40 têtes)

Sulking

Thomonoy

Venise de Chine Suzhou Chinese Venise 1986

Gardien de chevaux 1987 Horses Guardian

Untitled

Upside Down

Cabeza verde ante nubes

Onirik survol

La fée clochette

En route

Taureau Noir

The moon is generous

#Paysage sauvage #2

L’herbe des Corbières

Man Having Tea

Tchaikovsky

Untitled

Untitled