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…

Search by Image

Save your search and find it in your favorites

18/100 1 10 16 17 18 19 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Categories

Subcategories

Small

White Spirit VI

White Spirit V

White Spirit III

White Spirit II

Dreams of Japan

Madone

Ensemble

Punk Wonder Woman

Sans titre

On the Kitchen Table 18

On the Kitchen Table 16

Gina

Poppies

Les Joyeux

Bleu outremer

Manufactura 16

Manufactura 9

Deux loutres

Good Save the queen

Marilyn was here

Marilyn was here

Kiss me

Nina's mind 2

Untitled #42

Tropical Harmony

Still life with pomegranate and grape

Un Français a donné un canapé, quatre chaises et un fauteuil

Aquillon

Luxury Art Toffee - Ferrari

The life

Bob Marley

Roses in flower

Nouvelle Vague

Nana

Sirène

A travers l'ombre

Flower Bike Man - Delft 5 colors Limited Edition

Evening embankment in Croatia

Vas te faire M

Vas te faire M

Walking in Venice - Old Italy Belle Epoque painting

Pay homage to Positano - Italy old scene painting

Frida

Âlif - Clou cristal

Petits rêveurs - Jeux d'enfants

Full Circle

Double Take

Balancing Act

Hallelujah

Morning Breeze

Graphique

Succulent

Etude in the botanical garden

Les 2 mains

Hégoa

Chergui

Cube

Brown Artistic Jardiniere

John Lennon Imagine One Peace Beatles Paix Rock'n'Roll

Barry Lyndon

Betrayal of the Queen

Along the Seine - France Paris painting & frame

Should we love again or not ?

Gepetto et Pinocchio

Pinocchio fait une pousse

Hommage à Pompon