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

Wave Pearl True Bleu

Metallic wave gold

Constante Ebène

Aurore 1

Fantaisie 3 - Série abstraction poétique

Fantaisie 2 - Série abstraction poétique

Fantaisie 1 - Série abstraction poétique

Fantaisie 8 - Série abstraction poétique

Fantaisie 6 - Série abstraction poétique

Geometric 01

Ultra Red 02

Backstage II

Self-Portrait 25.20

Kairos Fragments en équilibre série Intersection chromatique

Circle Grammar #2

Scala, Mexico City, Mexico

Residencial Villa Roma, Mexico City, Mexico

Bird and flower

Yellow landscape

Beige landscape

Sunrise - Diptych - series Dawn

Pink Horizon - Diptych - series Dawn

Scattering dreams-XIV

Scattering dreams-XIII

Joy-V

Joy-IV

Scattering dreams-IV

SCATTERING DREAMS-III

Through the silver light

SERENITY-VII

SERENITY-VI

Zen-3168

Zen-3169

Vase Sculpture Cubiste

Semblance of order

Plum Study

Équilibre illusoire 68

BLOSSOM #06-3110

Feuille Tilleul

Passage 3

Arbre cailloux rouge

F.230101

Hellebore No. 37

Anemone No. 6

Parrot Tulip

Hibiscus No. 6

Tulips

Floral no. 21

Iris No. 200

Iris No. 199

Rose study no. 85

Floral No. 18

Lotus

M.160303

Les Inséparables

La mort en fete dans le forêt profonde

Photographie fine art - Sous le givre : alpage enneigée en paysage hivernal minimaliste

F.200101

Fragments

Sans titre n°552

Untitled 1

Natura morta con teiera

Voyou Brut!

Fragment de Buste Antique

Self-Portrait 20.111

Sphères #42