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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Print, 19M2, Éric Lambé

Éric Lambé

Print . 43.5 x 41 x 0.1 cm Print . 17.1 x 16.1 x 0 inch

€250

Print, Vues 8, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, L'avarice, Leonor Fini

Leonor Fini

Print . 41 x 33 x 0.01 cm Print . 16.1 x 13 x 0 inch

€350

Print, Untitled, Franco Fortunato

Franco Fortunato

Print . 35 x 50 x 0.1 cm Print . 13.8 x 19.7 x 0 inch

€260

Print, 19m2, Éric Lambé

Éric Lambé

Print . 43.5 x 41 cm Print . 17.1 x 16.1 inch

€250

Print, Vues 7, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, Child, Enrico Benaglia

Enrico Benaglia

Print . 50 x 35 x 0.3 cm Print . 19.7 x 13.8 x 0.1 inch

€420

Print, Vues 6, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, Scilla, Michele Cascella

Michele Cascella

Print . 50 x 35 x 1 cm Print . 19.7 x 13.8 x 0.4 inch

€300

Print, Untitled, Leonor Fini

Leonor Fini

Print . 32 x 24 cm Print . 12.6 x 9.4 inch

€600

Print, Islande VII, Ken Denning

Ken Denning

Print . 20.6 x 28 cm Print . 8.1 x 11 inch

€150

Print, Samuraï en sacai, Shuz

Shuz

Print . 50 x 25 x 0.2 cm Print . 19.7 x 9.8 x 0.1 inch

€90

Print, Vues 5, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, Islande VI, Ken Denning

Ken Denning

Print . 20.6 x 28 cm Print . 8.1 x 11 inch

€150

Print, Homère, Le CyKlop

Le CyKlop

Print . 47 x 37 cm Print . 18.5 x 14.6 inch

€140

Print, Untitled, Ramon Canet

Ramon Canet

Print . 35 x 45 x 0.1 cm Print . 13.8 x 17.7 x 0 inch

€500

Print, Vues 4, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, Islande V, Ken Denning

Ken Denning

Print . 20.6 x 28 cm Print . 8.1 x 11 inch

€150

Print, Hollywood, Joan Brossa

Joan Brossa

Print . 38 x 50 cm Print . 15 x 19.7 inch

€550

Print, Untitled, Luis Claramunt

Luis Claramunt

Print . 45.5 x 35 cm Print . 17.9 x 13.8 inch

€666

Print, Vues 3, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, Islande IV, Ken Denning

Ken Denning

Print . 20.6 x 28 cm Print . 8.1 x 11 inch

€150

Print, Diàleg, Joan Brossa

Joan Brossa

Print . 50 x 38 cm Print . 19.7 x 15 inch

€550

Print, Untitled, Justyna Dorzak

Justyna Dorzak

Print . 41 x 29 cm Print . 16.1 x 11.4 inch

€120

Print, Vues 2, Maurice Wyckaert

Maurice Wyckaert

Print . 24 x 32 cm Print . 9.4 x 12.6 inch

€320

Print, Untitled, Leonor Fini

Leonor Fini

Print . 32 x 24 cm Print . 12.6 x 9.4 inch

€600

Print, Untitled, Leonor Fini

Leonor Fini

Print . 32 x 24 x 0.1 cm Print . 12.6 x 9.4 x 0 inch

€600

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