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

Lady in Blue Gloves

Red Gloves Mystery

The Cyclops

2023-1140 / Visages et corps expressionnistes - série rouge et noir

Asana

Mutine

Indian heritage-3

Model study, after Laure Albin Guillot - 25-08-22, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper

Red Lisa 11

Chinese Interior #9

La cause des femmes

La précieuse

Duo de femmes

Silent Nude III

Eros and Thanatos

1984 Hommage a Schiele Tribute 2

Lovers 7 Amoureux

NUDE Lovers 3

Colin Maillard

Paz

La grappe de la terre promise

Méandres

Untitled (50)

Papaya Republic. Drawings From the covid diaries series

Bitter Times. Drawings From the covid diaries series

Coralie

Untitled 4

La mer 24

La lune n'a rien à craindre des loups #21

Myrtille 02.06.2011 Paris, France

Sanae 03.05.2013 Manhattan, New York, USA

Magali 08.2011 Villeurbanne, France

Ecarlate

Parfois tu es un tigre

L'amour fou

At home with my dog

Waiting

Bored

With my dog (1)

Composition aux personnages (D)

I've got the power (étude II)

Forme Luci Colori

Épreuve B

Épreuves A

Absurdie - Série visuels décalés

Aus der Serie: Mystische Thai-Visionen: Heilige Pilze und Blumen (9)

Aus der Serie: Mystische Thai-Visionen: Heilige Pilze und Blumen (8)

Aus der Serie: Mystische Thai-Visionen: Heilige Pilze und Blumen (5)

Aus der Serie: Mystische Thai-Visionen: Heilige Pilze und Blumen (12)

The Blue Cushion

Iris 2/8

Naïade 3/8

Sans Titre

Épreuve C

Bonding together

Aparición

Bones

Woman on blue sheets

Untitled IV

Untitled III

Sisyphe V

N° 864 Averroès 2

N° 860 Averroès

N° 849 Moi, sur la paille ? Jamais ! 2

N° 842 Moi, sur la paille ? Jamais !

N° 754 Le faune de Debussy