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

Rouge est la couleur du mystère 1

Hands #5

A Cheval

Le Lit

Character

Character

Hands#1

Nathalie

Character

American Icon V

Character

Equilibre

Ballet Practice

Mutations

Ambre

Personnage

Character

Homme plante

Tinnitus

Le Sabot

Richard Drake

Tigre

Palmeraie sourire

Riding High

Nu abstrait N°2

Abstrait nu N°14 : Potery palace

Les corps entremêlés - Abstrait nu N°7

Nu abstrait N°1

No57 SPIRIT Series

Pixelated young torso

Abstrait nu N°10-Ocre

Sorbier des oiseleurs - Abstrait nu N°8

Nu abstrait N°3

Helena III

Artemis

Synthèse du jeune torse

Femme Nue Grand Bronze

Nu Groupé Grand Bronze

Nu groupé grand feu rouge

Fleur - Charlotte

Torso of Amici

Torso of a King

Artemis II

Le Swing (Réf. 192 I)

La création spéciale

Abstrait nu N°5

Abstrait nu N°4

Germinal h cm 40 (bronze)

Amici V

203 de 2023

C'est moi (Réf.255)

La Passion (Réf.254)

Le Swing (Réf. V4)

Ski - Pointe Carmen des aiguilles du diable - Série Enjoy Skiing

Seeking Solace & Sharks in the Water. From the Behind Closed Doors Series

Abstrait nu N°11 : Hold tight

Toile 198

Toile 194

Toile 205

Toile 193

Hera II

23 2025

36 2025

Abstract nude 8-23

Abstract nude 8-22

Les Danseurs à la Lune - Original Etching