About suffering they were never wrong, the Old Masters

A closer look at John the Baptist.

I've always loved how in the Eastern tradition, the faces of saints look as though they know something about suffering, that they earned their heaven through pain and tears.

Western artists have painted Mary weeping often enough, but the saints are generally way too comfortable looking. Even if they're in the throes of gory martyrdom, they tend to look awfully calm about the situation.

The Deësis mosaic

This 13th century mosaic depicts Mary and John the Baptist asking Christ to show mercy to humanity -- Deësis is Greek for entreaty. I never would have thought that a mosaic could be so expressive. These faces break my heart.

Ktisis

This mosaic is in the house of Eustolios in Kourion. It's Roman, probably from the 4th Century, which suddenly doesn't seem very old. (But at least you can view it without worrying about getting dusty or being abducted by wayward camels. Sorry. Still in a snit about the whiny tourists.)

Depending on which source you believe, Ktisis is either the spirit of creation, or of donation, giving a generous gift. I love her face but she doesn't look particularly generous to me. She's a little stern, a little strict. She might inspire you, but you still have to do the work. Kind of like a Muse with a bullwhip.