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

Édition Toujours Marilyn 30

Édition Éternelle Audrey 30

Édition Un tramway nommé Désir 30

Édition Rebelle 30

Voltage

She always remembers him

Attache toi

Unsolvable Dilemma

Sure Consent

Break out of the bonds

Carrosse d'amour

Juvenis Series

Juvenis Series

Juvenis Series

Juvenis Series

Juvenis Series

Might of nature: The Herculean naturalistic bust 1/1

Portrait

Portrait

Cosmic Messenger: The rustic Hermes bust 1/1

Might of nature: The Herculean naturalistic bust 1/1

Digigraphie JIM

Kids in space 7

Kids in Space 5

I mistici

Rêverie

Bateau d'amour

Pestacle

Masque Africain

Enduring Echoes 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Old Masters

Le funanbule 2

Green portrait

La bouche ouverte

Kids in Space 3

Estate, serie Stagioni

Portriat

Portrait II

Behind the mask

Cosmic Messenger: The Rustic Hermes Bust 1/1

Dreamer

Ritratto di una giovane

Psychopomp Hermes

Young philosopher

Faces of health: The multi-faceted hygieia decor

Hermes bust

I love my style in Louis Vuitton

Hercules’ first labor

Golden goddess Isis

True African beauty - Yellow handmade sculpture for home decor

Golden gaze: The design skull sculpture

Winged wonder Hermes god sculpture

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart bust

C'est une Belle Journée

Flower girls

Mélodie orange

Câlins

Rêves de Japon

Constellations

L'éventail

Harmonie

Je pense à toi

Poemes: Dans ma Memoire

Poemes: Comme un barbare

Michelangelo’s David bust

Apollo bust

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