The artwork titled “Snail’s Trace,” created by Roberto Matta in 1937, is a surrealist piece executed with crayon and pencil on paper. With dimensions measuring 49.5 by 64.8 cm, the figurative work embodies the surrealism movement’s penchant for bizarre and dream-like imagery. The artwork is held in a private collection and continues to intrigue audiences with its enigmatic composition.
“Snail’s Trace” presents a complex and layered scene, evoking a sense of organic fluidity intertwined with geometric abstraction. The central area features a snail-like form, which dominates the composition, with a vibrant trail that appears to be moving across the plane. Swirling shapes reminiscent of floral motifs or internal biological structures occupy the periphery, suggestive of a microscopic or cosmic scale beyond immediate perception. The use of soft, meandering lines alongside more structured elements creates a sense of depth and movement. Matta’s choice of colors is both subdued and striking, resulting in a dynamic interplay between the various elements of the work, as it captivates and challenges the viewer’s imagination.