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

What about stereotypes? 3 in the triptych. Decorative social art

DH antic lights

A few rudbeckias

An oak at sunset

Metaphysics of the hushed indifference

Daisies

Cosy houses in winter

Cornflowers in summer

Poppies in Provence

Rich autumn colors

Spring in Foy

Natural life rising

Two autumnam trees

Tempest in the wood

Spring in the wood

Provence 4524

Pink spring

Orchard in spring

Old fence

Lavender and poppies

Snow on my village

Autum colors 4524

Winter

Morning sunlight

Provence

Orange poppies

Flaming autumn

Epilobiums

A village in my country side

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Untitled

Three trees

Village in wonderland

Two appletrees in spring

Two trees

Provence 5524

Wild summer flowers

Autumn 5524

Orange poppies

Red poppies blue cornflowers

Waterlilies on a blue pond

Automne 5524

La danse insolite

Meadow's summer bloom

In the Heart of the Golden Garden

Whispers of Dawn: A Serene Abstract Landscape

Azure Serenity: A Moment of Calm

Golden Horizon: Embrace of Earth and Sky

Emerald Horizon: Depths of Tranquility

From the mudflats

Poésie

Dune Pastel

Rhythm of Rural Living

Landscape N°65

Whispers of the forest

Landscape with snow

Snowstorm

Silent Heights in Mist

La lune et les fleurs

Agave contre un mur

Petite maison

Profanities IV | Qualities craved

Innocence in the Fields

Spring forest no.2