New York Skyline 

John Marin sketched this impression of the New York skyline, capturing its dynamic energy with quick, sparse lines. Dominating the composition is the Brooklyn Bridge, an icon of modernity. But what is the bridge itself, if not a symbol? Bridges have historically signified connections—both literal crossings and metaphorical linkages between disparate realms. Think of the Roman pontifex, the "bridge-builder," a priest who mediates between the human and divine. In Marin's sketch, the bridge's skeletal form conveys a sense of striving, reflecting New York's relentless pace of change. Yet, the playful swirls in the foreground suggest something more—a hint of chaos, perhaps, or a celebration of urban life. This image resonates with the psychological charge of the modern metropolis: a place of both promise and anxiety. Marin captures this tension, inviting us to contemplate the ever-evolving symbols of our own age.