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

19h05 au Cap Coz

19h10 au Cap Coz

Landscape-VI

Quiet morning near the village

The garden has blossomed

Spring garden

By the pond

One of the spring mornings

Behind the village

Hidden lake

Autumn day

Cobalt light

Spring herbs

Paysage et ferme

Autumn ray

Early

Above the pond

Etude in the botanical garden

Secret soul III

Magic Nature

One autumn day

Moon in gold

Sunset Glitter

LA SAISON DES ARBRES

Landscape 1

Spring Silence Under the Moon

Figure looking forward in jeans blue and mint green

Wet grass

Evening is coming soon

Coin de rue

Les lavandes

Neige en Cévennes

Petite promenade

Entre ciel et terre 3

Mediterranean Harbor

Parisian roofs

Night Clouds

Palm 1

Sio

Porto Pollo_9

Sardinia. Porto Pollo_22

Sardinia. Porto Pollo_8

Sardinia. Porto Pollo_6

Sardinia. Porto Pollo_5

Sardinia. Porto Pollo_3

Sardinia. Porto Pollo_2

Sardinia. Porto Pollo _ 01

Picnic In the Shade

La plaine innondée

Le ruisseau

Le Dernier Arbre

Provence numéro 5

Provence numéro 2

Provence numéro 1

Provence numéro 10

Paysage recomposé n°7

Allègresse

À l'aube d'un nouveau monde

Midnight walk IV

Winter Dreams/3

Winter Dreams/2

Lush lilac

The Meeting Place

Est-ce que le rouge attire le bleu ?

Magritte was here

Winter Forest

L'océan au fond du jardin

Paysage montagne N°10