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

Bougainvillea Steps

The earth is round

Mon jardin d'Eden édition d'art

Porcelain

What the rose tell me

French School Still life Flowers Starwars - Pink Strikes back

Flowering branches in a white mug

French School - Poppy Starwars - Flower

Tree in Spring Leaves Radiating the Sun impression

Don't go to the Garden of Flowers

Coquelicots N°8 rouges

Swallow No. 40

PJ4

PJ3

Hojas 4

Hojas 2

Vase of Flowers

Out of the blue

Eternal spring in the garden of my soul

Sola 13 (1)

Sola 3

Innocent Vanity Fair

Lilies No. 4

Iris No. 205

It Looks Like Love

Orchidée

Salon IlI

Salon

Salon Il

Feuertrunken

Wisteria

Endless Summer

Temporary Shelter

Flowers by Dom

Interlude No. 3

Iris No. 69

Hellebore No. 8

Hellebore No. 6

Hellebore No. 1

Plant Study No. 25

Hanging Leaves No. 7

Hanging Leaves No. 6

Hanging Leaves No. 5

Branch Study No. 13

Rose Study No. 4

Queen Anne's Lace No. 1

Virginia Woods No. 5

Transient

Bouquet of White flowers in a blue vase on red. Still life

Summer Flowers

Fingernails

Philemon and baucis

Malva

The kiss on a black rose in a veil

Thistle No. 2

Thistle No. 1

Plant Study No. 108

Plant Study No. 107

Plant Study No. 106

Joyeux

Respirer librement

Nature and Seasons IV

Aurum 22

Aurum 21

Sunflowers and ultramarine

Flower Power