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

Le Palais de Chaillot

Skull 2 : 04/75

Untitled 109

Mucha

Les immortelles de Jean

Sincerity

Portrait of Francis Picabia

The World

India !

Bras-Corps

In the water No 1

Clouds over the Tay Rail Bridge

Upside Down

Reflection. 2

Sevilla

Automne

Girl with a Cat

The Embrace

Untitled 1

Etat de corps

Rest

Van Gogh

Tidal Project

Audrey

Figure in the sticks

Le Système Solaire

All left behind

Portrait of Arab

Red Seams on Blue

Ribs 12

Red Boat in Sunset

Hollywood series

Two bottles

Meeting place I

Red Riding Hood

Bivalva

Untitled

Loved Your Beauty

Crouched Lioness and Rabbits

Le Baiser

Mick

Big Horns

Couple au bouquet

Le métro mé PAS tro

Lovers

Borough Station 1

Rusty Cage

Village 04

Brique de gomme - Mur de l'effacement

People Conversation

Gutenberg et l'invention de l'imprimerie

En Floride

Nostalgie

Les chats

Floral Ecstasy #12

Rising Tide

Bard

Promontoire

Gateway 15.15

Au pied de la lettre

Rainbow Hand

David Beckham

Kobe

Untitled (ID 1293)

Tripartite Composition

Square Dance