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

Genus Lunaria

Heart

Rêverie près de la Rivière

Sur les Quais

Premières Fleurs du Printemps

Jeanne Hébuterne - Planche 57

Schizophylle

White and Pink Wild Roses

Sunflower's Dance

One of Ginkgo I

Native Elements n°34

Native Elements n°33

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

Rêves dorés

Olive branch

Yellow Sunflower Field 8

Midnight Roses

White flowers in a glass vase

Yellow flowers in a black vase

Olive branch

Sparkling yellow flowers

Ficus leaves

White abstract tropical flowers

Hydrangea

Floral queen

Paysage onirique

Jardin de Paradis

Dahlia Flowers

Magellan's journey

Lilac Blossoms

Wildflowers

Lilies flowers

Lilacs

Série "fleuri"

Série "fleuri"

Série "fleuri"

Série "fleuri"

Histoires naturelles, Choupatte + En Puisaye

Botanique Indigo Tinctoria #6

Vase of Flowers

Violin of the Wind

Irises dreams in bloom

Evening Poppies

In From the Garden #5

Beneath the summer skies

Symphony of irises

Memories in roses

Narcissus

Nostalgic Sunflower

Aurum 20

Aurum 19

Flowery field

Death F519

Mors dorminorum (série)

Aurum 5

Aurum 3

Breathe silently

La fille papillon

Flowering Field

Violet Irises

Flowers for the impressionists

Summer landscape

River Mississippi in Almonte

Hellebore No. 39

Mon amie la rose

Walensee. Impression of Heidiland.