The Harlem line 

Nigel Van Wieck painted "The Harlem Line" during the 20th century. The crossed arms, a motif echoing through centuries of portraiture, suggest a posture of defense, introspection, or perhaps a subtle barrier against the world. This gesture, seen in ancient sculptures and Renaissance paintings, speaks to our enduring need to protect our inner selves. Think of Roman emperors portrayed with a similar stance, exuding authority, or the pensive saints in medieval art, contemplating the divine. Here, on a train, it reflects a more intimate, personal space. The act of looking out the window, away from us, represents a departure from the present, as though the buildings in the distance are thoughts traveling with her. The journey, a potent symbol in human culture, suggests not only physical movement, but also a psychological state of transit. This image captures a moment of reflection amidst the constant motion of modern life.