Tremor, 1992
$395.00
There’s a mischievous hush to this tiny scene: a glossy, oversized snail shell — its concentric bands of black, red, orange and yellow like a spun candy — takes center stage above a low, rocky island and a calm sea. Fanny Brennan composes familiar elements in an unfamiliar scale, and here that choice turns a coastal view into a kind of private stage where ribbon-like strips of color unspool across the foreground like playful calligraphy. The sky’s soft turquoise and pale cloud streaks give the composition a serene backdrop, while the island’s miniature architecture and pines anchor the image in a quiet, slightly surreal world. The intimacy of the small image invites close looking; its bright spirals and sinuous ribbons make it feel witty and unexpectedly lyrical, a compact daydream you can carry with you.
The Artwork
"Ribbon Snail" is a lithograph created by Fanny Brennan between 1992-1995. From the edition of 300, the artwork is initialed 'FMB' lower right and annotated lower left. The artwork is framed in a contemporary silver and dark gray frame and has a framed size of 15.5 x 16". The artwork ships framed and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Each of Brennan's prints is a compact world of real and imaginary elements, playful and ambiguous, though completely enjoyable. "My intention is to depart entirely from the the customary view of miniature painting," notes the artist. "I do not paint mementos. Rather, by placing familiar objects in unfamiliar settings, I try to produce an image that will be remembered for its own sake." This work is published by Chalk & Vermilion Fine Arts, an affiliate of Martin Lawrence Galleries, no prior ownership.
Collector Details
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Fanny Brennan (1921–2001) was a French-American surrealist artist renowned for her miniature paintings that transform everyday objects into imaginative compositions. Her work is characterized by meticulous detail and a whimsical approach, often featuring items like buttons, safety pins, and pearls in surreal settings. Brennan's art invites viewers into a mythical world, blending the normal with the magical. Her innovative approach to small-scale art has secured her place among notable 20th-century female artists, contributing significantly to contemporary surrealism.
Image copyright © 2026 by Fanny Brennan.
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