library(TeachingDemos) plot(window(Nile, 1920, 1940)) subplot({ plot(Nile, axes=FALSE, ann=FALSE) rect(1920, 0, 1940, 2000, border=NA, col="gray") box() lines(Nile) }, x=1920, y=1000, size=c(1.5, .75), hadj=0)