Here's a starting or anchor point Wally:
"....a vignette is a short impressionistic scene that focuses on
one moment or gives a trenchant
impression about a character, idea, setting, or
object".
Here's an example:
https://flic.kr/p/9Mn6Hzhttps://flic.kr/p/9MpUBwHere's a tank crewman, enjoying a brew, while leaning on his tank. Taking a breather. You clearly get the idea of what is going on and how the individual might be feeling. It's not short of the viewer looking at a painting or image of the same, in terms of what the viewer might think of when viewing it.
When an object (without a figure/s) is the subject of the vignette, then IMHO there is greater challenge to the modeller to convey that 'elusive' impression or feeling to the viewer.
Here's the Model Expo guidebook:
http://www.modelexpo.com.au/downloads/p ... ok2015.pdfMore pertinent to 'Vignettes':
"The following categories pertain to models on a scenic base, which do not fit into any of the single model categories. They may or may not contain figures. The concept of these categories is to tell a story through the use of models.
ME41 - VignettesNot limited by scale.
A
cameo of a story, featuring 2 to 6 figures on small base with simple scenic effects.
An OPEN category and not subject to Out of Box or Modified rules.
The following restrictions apply:
1. It can include hand held or personally transported equip-ment. May also include horses or large animal/creatures or small livestock.
2. Full buildings, full vehicles (eg ships, AFV's, aircraft, space craft) or large equipment are not allowed. If the scenic effects dominate the figures then the model may be classified as a diorama."
A cameo can be though of as
a literary sketch,
small dramatic scene, or the like,
that effectively presents or
depicts its subject.