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

Midnight walk IV

La gitane

Blonde à la robe bleue

Est-ce que le rouge attire le bleu ?

3 figurines Small lie

The Ecstasy of St. Teresa

Happy Hours II

Abaissement

Metropolis

Michael Kors fall fashion collection

Gareth Pugh

C'est une Belle Journée

Mélodie orange

Happy Smile

A Boy in Kitty Hat

Treat

L'Ecureuil combattant

Ballerina no. 21, Series XXV

Ballerina no. 20, Series XXV

Summer walks. Adriatic

Brigitte

Night Gown

Miranda

L'écureuil de Mongolie

Le rameau d'or

Italian street of Korcula. Croatia

Summer impressions. Cafe. Croatia

Pool Table

Forbidden

Painting the sky in his special blue

Circus II

Evening cafe near the sea

Seagull

Harmonie

Je pense à toi

Mountain Quest

Ocean Porthole #18

Pearl's Fantasy

City Cat

Hokuto's Sigh

Waiting for Spring

Mime-Mime

The Seedsof the Heart Blossom

Compétition

Picador et femme

Life from heart

Plaisir en musique

Bouteille Champagne Prince 17-24

Pavarti Cantatrice

Ours Nandi

Chapeau 112-22

Two Girls on the Roadside

Racconto di primavera 10

Racconto di primavera 9

Racconto di primavera 7

Racconto di primavera 6

Racconto di primavera 3

Racconto di primavera 1

Bellesa interior IX

The Gentle Weight of Love

Something about childhood 5

Autumn Glade

Isadora... [ version robe bordeaux ] (série : les ballerines 2021)

Femme III

N°1274 Le désarroi de la mer Morte.

Black and white life - interior landscape