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

Aggrapparsi

Vision of light (Identity Dreams Series)

Super Siesta

Lyana au miroir

Piscine Molitor 85

The last sitting - Marilyn laughing in black dior dress, 1962

Marlon Brando Life Magazine

Bridget Bardot

Où est Charlie ? VII

Plant Study No. 25

Hanging Leaves No. 7

Hanging Leaves No. 6

Hanging Leaves No. 5

Cairn 6

Cairn 9

Cairn 10

Cairn 4

Portrait #6

Staring into Space, Mondrian

Contemplation

Hasufel

All Ears

Céréales 3

Paris Déchiré

Memories 6

Steve McQueen.War Lover. Pensif

Pesadumbre

Hide and seek

It’s nice and quiet…

Shabla

Demain, mon rêve d'aujourd'hui, Paris

Arod

Pigeon monument

Midday Spécial

Le Volleyeur

Storm Series (Ref 844)

Hug

Blackbird singing in the dead of night

Old man with new hat

Small talks II

Birds

Asfaloth

Vision 11

Vision 10

Vision 9

Hildegard Knef

Après l'Orage

Point de vue / Megève hameau de Vauvray Winter

L'Atelier

Solitude

Coluche - Iconic portraits

Élégance

L'homme du passé

Liz & Dick

Marilyn monroe

Portrait #8

Séduction #4

Heart

Sur ses Lèvres...

Untitled

Jeanne Hébuterne - Planche 57

Sara

Ada XXI

Fear eats the soul

La Dualité

Serge Gainsbourg au Palace