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

Douceur du sud 1

Blossom

Farewell to winter. Hello spring!

Montagnes perdues

Still life

Guillermo

Pretty Pewter

Bouquet

Fleurs

Bivalva

printemps

Wild Flower IV

Time to harvest

New floral

Bouquet et livre

Glaucus

Lilac

Imagined destinations, Road sign ( Panneau indicateur )

Fleurs

En Floride

Floral Ecstasy #12

Sensuality with roses

Promontoire

Rusty Cage

Fleurs

Cream rose on dark brown background

Royal wedding

Water lily

Roses du jardin

Fountain vase, série Zephyr

Nature morte

Bouquet de roses

Bouquet of gratitude

La Chambre Verte - Blossom - 2

At the border

Untitled

Solo dance

Illustration of Epipactis greuteri

Composition de fleurs

Ohne Titel (2 Köpfe und Pflanzen)

2006 Kuwai

A bouquet of stocks

Spring on the Shore of the Aquamarine Ocean

Untitled

Les Calanques, encore une fois la mer

Renoncules

Barbodoigts (mouche)

Parchemin rouge

Fleurs d'eau

Les Belles Canapéennes 9

You Have Big Plans

Still Life of Roses in a Vase

Pomegranate

Untitled

Printemps

Colors of Nature's Palette

African bee

Les paradis perdus #10

75 pétales

XII (Hibiscus)

Woman

Yerro #3

Roses

Effeullier la marguerite

Magie du crépuscule

Passion