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

1972 Abstraction Name less loud

1993 Red Still life with Malevich Rouge

Ecureuil Squirrel 1987 KENJI BANLIEUE BANLIEUE

Autel profane Piège à plumes Bird Altar

Wild Flower I

Sans titre

Dubai the City of Lights, 8

Gacko Bear Love pop art Lv Color

Untitled #10

1979 Child PARIS OLYMPIADS 1991 1992

Abstraction Rouge Vif pour BRANCUSI 1956 Vivid Red Abstraction for BRANCUSI

Violons 1990 Violins

Björk

Nature morte II 1993 Sitll life II

2003 Ame Amérindienne Amerindian Soul

To meet the nightflower

Prière Prayer

The Love profusion

L'Espace

Colourful games

Lost in my mind

Les Joyeux

Woman's Right

Manufactura 3

Luke McAlister

Secret Invasion

Twickenham Streaker

Amazing Spiderman

Mexico

1971 Constructivisme

Chartres dans les colzas

Little Gulliver

Sirène

Sans titre

Uncanny X-Force

Scogliera 2

Arbre 1956 Tree

1986 Rhinocéros

Primorsko

Pin-up à la cigarette

Eléphantasme organique

Tête de mort

Collage construit

Legende de la mer

Post Mortem VI

Lovers

Collage on paper Lullaby for a cat.

Gallinacean III

Blossom

Hera

Poüèt King

Dog

Plan métro "City of Graffitty"

Sourire au clair d'un sourire

Villa Adriana III

Untitled (Temple)

Many Tomatoes Needed

NUDE Lovers 4

Femme enroulée 1

Lady en rose Lady in pink

1979 Sein de la belle ingénue en marbre rose Pink marble breast

1979 Eva Nue Eve Nude

Liberation

Landscape sketch 87

Menina Air et Métal Nickel Rouge

Landscape 137