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

You look at me sadly, Nevo 1

No Title, Coronus

Salle d'attente à l'hospice

Paris 2024

Parchemin rouge

Diva

Portrait of Benito Mussolini

Nageur

El tiempo bajo las sombras

Provençale No. 20

Cat is Very Smart

Pez Plateado

Laurie petite fille

Sprinter

Quantum Study (Whisper)

Submission

Bats toi, ne baisse pas les bras et tu seras libre N°2

Femme en jaune - Portait de femme

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Anecdote of the Light

Cosmos

Portait 8

La ronde de nuit

L'attente

Portrait de jeune femme

Tender Innocence

El resplandor [The shining]

Fleurs d'eau

Reine noir

Intimate Talk

Portrait d'enfant

Portrait

Portrait d'homme à la moustache

Flamenco dancer (Red)

Bonjour Pacifiste?

Jean Michel Basquiat Portrait

Untitled

Au pays du soleil levant

La Chambre Verte - Blossom - 2

Future

Sans-titre

Autruche Urbaine

Amy

L'Arlésienne

Together

Les paradis perdus #10

Stretch Bird Plea

Llanto Piramidal

Me

Skiers XII (December)

Sun family

Family 2

La penseuse

Skipping (cast resin sculpture)

Frédérica

La Belle Endormine

Female figure

Free

Jungle

Place de la Bastille

Doors in the depths (III)

L'Arve, Genève

Bouquet et livre et son marque page

Meeting of Elders (Drawing from the back)

Brass and Lemons - Nature morte

Brain beats. Yellow