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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Marilyn. Chilly wind (1962)

Marilyn. Car in Malibu (1962)

Marilyn Monroe. Malibu. (1962)

Marilyn Monroe. Plage de Malibu (1962)

Marilyn Malibu Beach (1962)

Marilyn Monroe. Malibu Beach (1962)

Marilyn. Chilly wind. Malibu (1962)

Steve McQueen. La grande évasion. Billard

Steve McQueen. War Lover. Maquillage

Steve McQueen. War Lover. La Cigarette

Marilyn. Last bath in Malibu (1962)

Angela Davis

Marilyn Monroe. Au Bar (1964)

Marilyn. Dernière pose à Malibu (1962)

Malibu. The last time. (1962)

Albert Einstein

Pape François

Napoléon

Vincent Van Gogh 4D

Nelson Mandela

Michael jackson

Marilyn Monroe, ca

Guy de Maupassant

Marilyn Monroe, ca.

Catherine Deneuve

Mick Jagger 100% & 400%

Johnny Hallyday

Wall E

Femme Papillon (main 1)

Sans titre

Mickey sur le fleuve

Freddy Mercury 79

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe. Bungalow

Norma Jean (1945)

Marilyn Monroe

Marylin Monroe (1949)

Mario Banksy

Walter White Barokframe

Marilyn

Audrey

Resist

David Bowie

The Joker Barokframe

Chinatown

Miniatuur Scarface

Untitled

Portrait of Lenin

Roméo et Juliette

En soiree

Frida Kahlo Flowers

Son Goku

Marilyn New York Taxi Listening

Marilyn Monroe and Dick Shepherd

Marilyn New York Taxi Smiles

Marilyn Getting Ready To Go Out

Marilyn Monroe Amusée 1962

Portrait d'Amélie Dufaux

Bankable Marilyn (Warhol touch)

Martin Life Matters

Van Gogh

My New Eiffel Tower

Marilyn Costume Fitting (1955)

Marilyn Candid Moment

Self-Portrait

Che