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

PJ5

Silent Arrangement

A Spring Gesture

Treads (1)

Dream-grass

Spring tulips

Rabbit & Flowers

Bouquet of Joy

Floral Burst

Spring has Sprung!

Feathered Gaze

Skybound: A Garden Avian

Echoes of Hope

Bright Beauty

A Moment in the Sun

Floral Harmony

Ethereal Journey

Respiration II

Golden Gingko 7 Leaves

Golden Gingko 7 Leaves

Make a wish, "Moments" series

Touch of souls, "Moments" series

Tropical Greetings. Palm leaves

Tropical Symphony Of Colours

Golden Light Through the Palm

Daisies, Moments series

Tulip, Moments series

Green Depth

Wedding, Moments series

Rose luggage

Blue Viola. Spring Flowers.

Viola. Spring Flowers. 3 of the Triptych

Freshness. Foliage green painting

Mountain mushroom

Jasmine

Petals in Bloom

From the series "Hiding Places" - 05

Peindre des Iris - paysage floral semi abstrait

A memory

Fleurs Rouges 1

Colorful world

Wish you Flowers nr 4

En toute liberté

Vase of Flowers

Vase Mary

Les soupirs de Glaucus

Vintage

Hydrangea

In the Heart of the Garden III

Sakura. Red and blue

Cypress by the coast

Song of summer irises

Summer's orange bloom

Pure and Innocent

Narcissus of spring

Mi amor

Végétale naissance

Monet’s Bridge

Rêve de cocotiers

Bird Pair with White Flowers

Yellow Fantasy I

Ink album (Flower)

Rino Petrol Company

Champ de maïs

Paysages forêt II

Paysage II