Laura In Black 

Joshua LaRock painted "Laura In Black," capturing a modern subject with a classical technique. Note how Laura's hand gently rests at her throat. This gesture, which at first glance seems unassuming, carries echoes from antiquity. The hand-at-throat motif, observed even in ancient sculptures, often symbolizes vulnerability or anxiety. Think of Bernini's "Apollo and Daphne," where Daphne's raised arm mirrors this tension as she transforms into a laurel tree. This gesture resurfaces repeatedly, from Renaissance portraits to contemporary film. Over time, it’s meaning has subtly shifted, sometimes implying restraint or quiet defiance. This continuity reveals our shared emotional language, expressed through the body across centuries. In "Laura In Black," the gesture creates an immediate connection. The painting transcends mere representation, and touches upon the raw, emotional experiences that bind us. It reminds us that symbols are not static, but living entities that reflect the enduring human drama.