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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Subcategories

Small

In the Spring Field

A corner at Dries van Noten’s home

Rainbow Flower

Silent Night

Blooming Waters

Pansy Gardeners

Daisy Field

Daisy 3

Holland (Tulip)

Pegasus

Shades

Végétation colorée 3

Végétation colorée 2

Végétation colorée

Particule verdâtre et pourpre

Alignement

Pistil

Rayon

Carnivore

Spirale

Nucléaire

Beneath the Fading Sun

Etude de paysage

A Little Floral Symphony

Meadow's summer bloom

Paysage cubiste

La danse

Sunflower dreams

Spirale en mouvement

Composition organique

Nature et éléments

Nature et imaginaire

Impressions paysagères

Palmier flamboyant (1)

Intrigue

Bouquet printanier

Métamorphose

Expansion

Trio

Taches en mouvement (1) (1)

Perspective

La lumière de l'oiseau

Motifs de fleurs rouge

La montagne sacrée

Chestnut Blossoms

Lush lilac

Sunflowers

Bougainvillea Bug

Fleurs

Végétation florale multicolore

Végétation florale tropicale

Végétation florale bleue

Végétation florale rose

Végétation florale chaleureuse

Ficus on the Windowsill at Sunset

Sunset portrait of a forest creature

A few rudbeckias

Daisies

Cornflowers in summer

Poppies in Provence

Spring in Foy

Natural life rising

Spring in the wood

Pink spring

Blue still life

Morning sunlight