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

Winter landscape

By the evening

Still life

Dames en conversation

Strict fashion

Nina Ricci in hat

Untitled

Madame

Esther

Tenderness

My Star

Juliette

Action

My guardian angel is wearing a red cape

She XI

She VI

Lola

She X

La belle époque

Marché de Bozas

Tell me everything

Dentelle

Movement

Forêt racines verte

Voyage Urbain !

Inner Garden

Milky Way

Bouquet de fleurs jaunes

Untitled

Fleurs et oiseaux III

Tulips 2024

Cartwheel Galaxy

Seahorse

Magic place from my childhood

My sweet summer Provence

Abstract Style 3

Black 20

Polyptique 4 saisons bouleaux

Les Terreaux, Genève

Barque dans le lac par temps de bise, Genève

Reindeer Suit

Freedom is a Choice

Paysage d'Alsace

Paysage d'Alsace

Ozzy Osburne

Chez Moi avec Henry, mon chien

Famille sur la Plage

Untitled

Untitled

La Passeggiata 2, 16.30 in Piazza del Carmine

La Passeggiata, 16.30 in Piazza del Carmine

Kiliney Beach - Ireland

Whatever man

News Paper Sellers

North Korean Kid

Unknown Man From Another Time

Patience

Victoria

Eliza

Lisa

Camilla

Composition encre

Asian Beauty

Above the Cove

Shanghai Rainy day

Morning Light