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

Pink peonies

Wilted peonies

A travers le rosier

Passando o tempo, passando as horas X

Fleurs III

Emprise

Le monde autrement

Fleurs des champs - Bleu & Blanc

Pink Pines - Loving trees N°5 Part 2

Pink Pines - Loving trees N°5 Part 3

Pink Pines - Loving trees N°5 Part 1

Happy Glade

Pink rose on black background

3D pink peony

Natural concrete

Girls and Roses 2

Abstract Floral No. 32

Springtime 55

Géranium

Power glory letterpress

Les Baies

Spring IV

Sunflowers

Cycle Bouquets

Scent

Chinese motif

Persian motif

My birds and the blooming garden

An exotic garden and 3 green bird

Japanese meadow daisies

Paysage No°7

Paysage No°6

Paysage No°3

Paysage No°2

Paysage No°1

Untitled - 3

Meadow Composition

Irises. Delicate flowers

Macarena

Lemon tree on grey

Flowers

Sens Dessus Dessous

Contact color N°6

Bright magical flowers and funny birds

Voorste Stroom (Série reflets)

Villa d'Este (Série reflets)

Le Huteau (Série reflets)

Natural Elements n°1

Garden of dream

hana29_6932

Bellesa interior V

Colorful mood

Flowers

Floral Crazy Love

Femme chinoise

Irises black dragon - stylish iris painting

Floral Queens -4

Floral Queens -3

Floral Queens-2

Floral Queens-1

Coquelicots N°3

View of the mountains from winery in Cyprus

Don't forget to look back

House No.2

Winter lotus

Humanity