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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Categories

Subcategories

Small

Daydream

Fragility

Applaudissements infinis vert

Summer Wind

Kiss

Menina Air et Métal Nickel Rouge

Zimt

Fleur 20

Fleur 19

Marc Jacobs pink

Lumiere des labours

Morning of the sea

Menina Air et Métal Nickel Bleu

Applaudissements infinis

Dream

Kaki 2

Héron

Lightness

Yucca and oranges

Blue landscape

Le regard perdu

Bloom of Consciousness

Petal Reflections

La fleur aux dents

Baby Yoda

Ferragosto

Lotus 18

Four figs

Nike

Bibliothèque au fauteuil rouge

The Park from January to Spring

La tête en vrac

Racconto di primavera 5

Les oiseaux voyageurs

Édition Le regard de David 30

Getting at the Heart & Eve in Repose. From the Behind Closed Doors Series

Dreaming in Technicolor & Melancholy Remedy

Sans titre

The Space Between

Still Life with figs

Poles Apart 1

Silent Power

The Fragile Balance

Shining water- Sunset Over Mountain River Captivating Oil Painting with Warm Evening Hues

Sukhozvet

Herberas

Sitting Bull

Warmis

Etude with a blue book

Black and white

Untitled. Unique embroidery artwork from the Durero series

Vert d'espoir

Mon Miroir

Ondulation (Etude)

Dandy

Untitled

31st of June

Nu abstrait N°23 - Monstera palace Pièce N°9

Les recueils

Mon atelier

Racconto di primavera 4

Bouteille champagne 56-23

Elegante en robe jaune

Bats Fancier

Equilibre

Lueurs sous les Palmiers