This portion of the picture shows us a suffering face, strongly underlined by the light effect coming from above. Jesus looks dazed by what is going on: after a fake trial He has been sentenced to death; He is forced to climb up on Mount Calvary carrying the cross that will be his torment.

His mouth is almost open and indicates surprise. We understand - or, better, we sense- the reason of it: we can see a woman who, among the people’s anger, performs an act of pious concern. She wipes His face, which was still dirty for the spits of the soldiers, with a linen, cleaning also the blood flows coming from the wounds made by the crown of thorns.

His eyes have an intense look, as the eyes of somebody who is not just carrying a heavy cross but something much greater that hasn’t completely understood yet, perhaps for the quick evolution of recent events. His pain is kept inside, he does not give in to desperation. Jesus’ mission on the Cross will be accomplished, and for this reason He seems to acknowledge a plan He did not want but He is accepting.

How could we mortals contemplate with our eyes the divine startling bright icon that Angels’ army do not dare to look at? (Unknown author)