Extremely small versions of something, or paintings, objects, or people shown at a much smaller scale than normal.
From Middle French 'miniature,' ultimately from Latin 'miniare' (to paint with minium, a red pigment). Originally referred to the tiny decorative letters and illustrations in medieval manuscripts, then expanded to mean anything very small.
Medieval monks who created miniature paintings in manuscripts had to invent special tiny brushes and magnifying techniques—their eyestrain must have been incredible, yet some of these 1-inch paintings show more detail than modern digital illustrations.
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