I love her face. She is in the moment, concentrating on the task in hand, and her misery does not get in the way. The necessity of completing her task may give her some relief, by giving her something else to think about.
She is practical and loving, in mindful presence. She is not unfeeling, but her feelings do not get in the way.
Wikipedia identifies these as Nicodemus the Pharisee and Mary of Clopas. Nicodemus has the same look of loving practicality, looking at the beloved, now lifeless face. Mary of Clopas and Mary Salome, below, stifle tears and cries.
Jesus’s mother with downcast eyes holds his hand, supported by John, the Beloved disciple, whom Jesus told to care for his mother.
Each face has thoughts and feelings readable and relatable on it. Fifteenth century artists used the stories in the Bible, which everyone would know, to show real human beings responding to real situations. In Marys’ grief they could feel their own. I can use the picture to find my complex relationship with feelings, of those acting or watching. It is linen, fragile, and faded from original brilliant colours.
Clare Flourish 
I really do believe you have a calling to be a tour guide for art and church architecture. Or, you could certainly write a book that would provide so much insight for those who may want to visit museums and churches by themselves. You are better than Sister Wendy, I think.
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Blush. There’s lots of stuff to learn- names, dates and locations of artists, their influences, and I have barely scratched the surface on that; the stories from the Bible or mythology they tell, and I know that better; but for me the emotional impact or communication makes someone realise art is worth looking at, and I love to communicate that.
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