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

In the Arms of Memory

Feline intimacy

Chemins de la vie 2

Open Touch - 3 in a polyptych

Roses in Sunlight

Points of Contact 2 in polyptych

Pink heart

Breath of the Evening City

Love heart

PoP Haring Colors

Kiss

Kiss Picasso (a tribute to Picasso)

Dreaming (a tribute to Picasso)

Tribute to Pablo Picasso

Métallic Blue

Untitled VII. Painting. From the Medium - Screen Time series

Untitled VI. Painting. From the Medium - Screen Time series

Untitled V. Painting. From the Medium - Screen Time series

Untitled IV. Painting. From the Medium - Screen Time series

Untitled III

Untitled II

Instant d'Espoir

Colorful shapes

Goldens reflections

The colorful basket

Love dream

Bouquet of Whimsy

Flying Ballerina

City sketch

Sea colors

Blue times

Setting red sails

Horizon flowers

Parapluies Royal

Moi non plus

Dreams

Dragon's Wings

Harbor in Motion

Abstract Bird

No Title

Paris

Blooming Abundance

Totem fleurs de Matisse

Leopard Noir

Love will save nature

BRUMIC

Torn (Tired)

Wander Into Fall Colors

Vivid Elegance

Echoes of tradition

The Family Circle

Moment in the Park

Walk with my Friend

Seeds of love

Bleu Mario

Swarming

Blue Portrait

Down to the Water

Down the Path

Transfiguration

Voyage au fil du temps

L'Ordre cosmique II

L'icone nue

Le sommeil des âmes

Le soleil joue avec la lune

Ode au printemps N°1

Ode au printemps N°2

Pégase ou le commencement