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

The dancer portrait

Autoportrait à 45 ans

Les papillons musiciens

Melody of Joy

Les montagnes roses

Violon oublié des dieux 71-23

Kids in space 7

Kids in Space 3

Untitled

Blades

Guardian of the Heart

Cradle of Light

Portrait

Citrus elixir

Purpose

Clara

ENJOY PARIS

Vieille Rue de Tourettes sur Loup

ASIAN MARKET, PETIT MATIN

Maria Magdalene

Estate, serie Stagioni

25 avril - Portugal

Breath of the Mountains

Eole

Waiting for spring

July

Bouquet

Pomegranate delight-texture fruit painting, red and green colors

Red rose

Deux sirènes

Tristan und Isolde (Set of 21 Prints, framed)

Dreamer

On the Bow Bridge at Central Park

Ritratto di una giovane

HB (Cassé)

F, 2024

5H

Young philosopher

The Keyhole

Vessel of Bloom

Ingrained

Emanate

En attente d’expirer, cigares

The Mystical Parrot

Poses - Iron, tufa

Mythical Tribe

Breathe Slowly/11

Set of 4 wall sculptures. From the Behind Closed Doors series

La Plage à Jo, 1

The rower

Self portrait

The Kiss

Out of the pink

Vers Port Buguélès

Vers Port Buguélès

Cherished Family Moments

S217 Le Derviche Tourneur -1

The Yellow Jacket

C.Z Guest Time cover

Animal Behaviorist #4

Harry Brant in Connecticut

Jenna Lyons

Purple Child

Yellow Child

Candy

Vetements fall 21