Facial expression

Guanyin’s facial expression suggests peace and calmness. It is the expression that many artists used to portray Mary holding her son:

as a young mother holding her Beloved Son. Her flowing clothes and soft face give Her a gentle and tender feel. Her facial expression is warm and inviting. (...) She is holding Jesus out a little showing Him to the World. She does not look at Her Child; it is as if She is offering Him to us. Her head is bent down in an act of prayer, maybe praying for us to accept Her Son.

(said about St. Mary of Victory, Workshop of Gabriel Grupello, c. 1716 - 1720, from collection Kunstpalast. cf)