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

Turcata blu

Marble bag

Voyou ! Gold Sculpture.

Portrait de jeune femme, coiffure des années 20

Take me to the moon

Woman with Green Shoes, New York City

Danse 2

Spa Henna 2

Valeria Mazza - Halston 1998

Nabila

Violet Skies

High Standards

La belle époque

Marché de Bozas

Rolex treasures part II

Rolex treasure box EU

Rolex treasure box

Damas

Cappello verde

Borsa

N° 1001 Grazioso. Poco ritenuto.

Aesthetic encounter

Green marble bag II

The green marble bag

Boots

Joyful

Minion Vuitton

Boy George

Fashion Victims

Crock de toi Royal Hermes 3/8

Louis treasure box

Nr 5 marble bottle

Tiger Vuitton – Luxury Stone 1803 #2

La chambre

Sans titre 2

Épreuve M

Divas de Jazz #3

Numéro 5

Louboutin

Rolex escape box

Time is money box

Well Heeled

Tea Dance

Red Lips and Chocolate

Femme Art Déco à la robe verte, fleurs roses et chapeau

Femme Art Déco à la robe bleue et rouge

Femme Art Déco à la robe rouge et étole jaune

Frivole

St Tropez

Blue Doll

Melissa

Cindy

Blue

Daisy

Wip y gil

Sensuality

Croco white marble bag

Pink onyx marble bag

Kitchen Indoor - Pakistan (7)

Izanami

Sneaker pink

Sneaker yellow

Silver Waltz

Valise bleu nuit

Air Jordan 1

Chanel, My Love III