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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Hollywood icons triptych 4
Marian Williams
Painting - 13 x 39 x 3 cm Painting - 5.1 x 15.4 x 1.2 inch
€250
Stevie W (Party At The Moontower)
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 30 x 30 x 1 cm Print - 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch
€400
Obey Strummer (Dance Floor Riot)
Shepard Fairey (Obey)
Print - 30 x 30 x 1 cm Print - 11.8 x 11.8 x 0.4 inch
€300
Steve McQueen. La grande évasion. L'attente
George Barris
Photography - 28 x 36 x 1 cm Photography - 11 x 14.2 x 0.4 inch
€690
Marilyn's Vibes
Priscilla Vettese
Painting - 20.3 x 30.5 x 0.3 cm Painting - 8 x 12 x 0.1 inch
€1,200
Bowie Space Oddity
Mick Rock
Photography - 50 x 40 x 0.1 cm Photography - 19.7 x 15.7 x 0 inch
€2,460
The Last Sitting - Marilyn Looking at You
Bert Stern
Photography - 48 x 33 x 1 cm Photography - 18.9 x 13 x 0.4 inch
€2,995
Fabrice Emaer et top modèle
Arnaud Baumann
Photography - 30 x 45 x 0.1 cm Photography - 11.8 x 17.7 x 0 inch
€950
ALAIN PROST 193 BRIK SIGNÉ
Ian Philip
Sculpture - 50 x 26 x 26 cm Sculpture - 19.7 x 10.2 x 10.2 inch
€4,900
Apple - Golden Age
James Chiew
Sculpture - 45 x 45 x 45 cm Sculpture - 17.7 x 17.7 x 17.7 inch
€2,750
Gainsbourg Birkin - 83 - Baby Alone - Derniers tirages
Pierre Terrasson
Photography - 40 x 50 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 inch
€2,500
Marilyn looking up in the wedding veil
Bert Stern
Photography - 48 x 33 cm Photography - 18.9 x 13 inch
€2,490
Marilyn stretching the jewelry
Bert Stern
Photography - 33 x 48 cm Photography - 13 x 18.9 inch
€2,490
I scream Kelly (blueberry)
Sanuj Birla
Sculpture - 40.6 x 25.4 x 20.3 cm Sculpture - 16 x 10 x 8 inch
€1,143
Queen / la corde cassée / La Villette / Paris
Pierre Terrasson
Photography - 40 x 50 cm Photography - 15.7 x 19.7 inch
€1,500
Sandra Nunnerley at home
Manuel Santelices
Painting - 22.8 x 30.4 x 0.3 cm Painting - 9 x 12 x 0.1 inch
€823
Charles Leclerc 2025 BRIK SIGNÉ
Ian Philip
Sculpture - 50 x 26 x 26 cm Sculpture - 19.7 x 10.2 x 10.2 inch
€6,900
Edition sur papier Basquiat et Andy 730201900056 N°15/50
Pola 4.0
Print - 50 x 40 x 0.1 cm Print - 19.7 x 15.7 x 0 inch
€580
Marilyn in Famous Black Dress (1962)
Bert Stern
Photography - 48 x 33 x 1 cm Photography - 18.9 x 13 x 0.4 inch
€2,490
Urban Haring Tribute
Priscilla Vettese
Painting - 41 x 38 x 2 cm Painting - 16.1 x 15 x 0.8 inch
€290
S_ck Me I'm Popular Blondiex Mickey Top Trader.
JP Malot
Painting - 40 x 40 x 3 cm Painting - 15.7 x 15.7 x 1.2 inch
€800
Luxury Art Toffee Supreme White
Ad Van Hassel
Sculpture - 33 x 10 x 10 cm Sculpture - 13 x 3.9 x 3.9 inch
€225
