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

Botox Forbidden Fruit

Magritte's Door

Verdure printanière - Paysage valloné semi figuratif

The Pewter Vase

Lavandière bretonne

Untitled

Untitled

Asfixia

Tinku 1

Paysage de campagne

Cavaliere del Santo Graal

Pure Nature Beige

Bouquet de fleurs

Paysage de campagne avec arbre fruitier en fleurs

Nature morte au modèle de Voilier

Portrait 2

Lovers

Romane II

Maman et Fille

Promenade d'automne

Sophia Loren

Danse au vent

Dusk

Satyr Sculpture

Le Fauteuil Bleu

The discourse

Insouciante

Cornu Aspersum

Panthère

Full Certif BOU #2

Why are we so alone even in company?

L'éternelle fragilité

Spash chocolat

Kopf

Noblewoman (The Red Glove)

Suzette

Thalia

La clémentine - Monde animalier et nature

The Winged Victory

Little Girl

Composition

Estampe N°1 - Portrait stylisé coloré

Le circassien

I'm

Frammenti

Gouache d'étude pour Gitanes

L'Emozione

Untitled

Donut

Pink Dip

Girl in Red

Série de profils (4) Double Face

Le France

Pins bleus – Portiers de jour

Mas de Provence

Maisons de Genève

Diary Notes

Environs de Grasse

Charlie 664

Vase Deep sea

Sunny road in a birch forest

Ballerina de Sol

Study

Étude de portrait

Anticipation of Cake

Marché de Monségur