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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James Brown; singer, being interviewed after a concert in the Apollo in Harlem where the slogan Black is Beautiful was introduced.

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Subcategories

Small

Extérieur Nuit

Matilda

Night tide

14 juillet 1936 - Rue Saint Antoine Paris

Story of Love N°17 - Size M

Gaze in lines

La Main au Collier

La Marquise

L’Éventail

Portrait #7

Le Gant

L’Attente

La Robe de Marie

Blues d'Eiffel

Sans titre (18)

Manda Yawanawá, from the Village of Escondido, Rio Gregório Indigenous Territory, State of Acre, Brazil (S)

Bas Résille

Michel Simon rue Saint Denis

Passion Fatale

Le Baiser

4 girls

Kuwait modern old city

Foggy city

Winter math, From the series winter soul

Igi, From the series winter soul

Forest grave, From the series winter soul

Foot de rue

Ali I

Sans titre

Malcolm X during his visit to enterprises owned by Black Muslims.

USA. NYC. Marilyn Monroe.

USA. Marilyn Monroe (USA). Actress & singer

Cuba - Havana

USA. Illinois. Bement. US actress Marilyn Monroe during a public appearance.

Mikhail Baryshnikov, American Ballet Theatre - NYC

Spain. Mallorca. Anthony QUINN and Anna KARINA on the set of Guy Green's The Magus.

New York, Model, Drusilla Dru Beyfus.

Sylvana Mangano (ITA), at the Museum of Modern Art, USA

GB. Shepperton. Film Set Becket, Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton

John and Angelica Huston (USA). 1968

USA. NYC. Black is Beautiful.

USA. New York. American actress Marlene Dietrich.

James Brown; singer, being interviewed after a concert in the Apollo in Harlem where the slogan Black is Beautiful was introduced.

Charlotte Stribling. USA. New York City USA.

USA. Nevada and California. The Misfits, a film by John HUSTON. 1960 III

USA. Arizona. James Stewart on the set of The flight of the phoenix.

L'ombre des âges

Entrer dans la lumière

Mid Point 3

Consolation

Mid Point 2

Loops 1

Bench Test

In God We Trust

Les funérailles heureuses, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzanie

Secrétaire Général, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzanie

L’effort mécanique Dar Es Salaam, Tanzanie

Matin d’Oyster Bay, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzanie

L’officier d’état civil ovin, Nyandira, Tanzanie

Piscine Molitor 85

Groom

Angeline

Photographie fine art - Deux arbres heureux : paysage hivernal minimaliste en noir et blanc

Warped Tulip

Ape, Thailand

Marianne Faithfull 82